If you’re dealing with hand numbness, tingling, weakness, or chronic pain, you may be suffering from conditions like carpal tunnel syndrome, nerve injuries, or compression. At Sharma Hand & Nerve, Dr. Ketan Sharma specializes in diagnosing and treating complex hand nerve conditions with expert, compassionate care.
What are nerve-related conditions
that can affect the hands?
The hand is a dense network of muscles, tendons, bones, and nerves working in coordination for precise and powerful movement. Three major nerves—the median, ulnar, and radial nerves—travel from the neck down the arm and into the hand, each controlling specific muscles and providing sensation to distinct regions. When these nerves become compressed, injured, or otherwise impaired, it can lead to pain, numbness, weakness, or loss of hand function. Common nerve-related conditions that can affect the hands include:
- Compression of the median nerve at the wrist, known as carpal tunnel syndrome
- Compression of the ulnar nerve at the wrist, known as Guyon’s canal syndrome
- Traumatic injury to digital nerves, causing localized numbness or pain
- Peripheral neuropathy affecting small sensory and motor nerves in the hand
- Radial nerve dysfunction leading to weakness or sensory loss on the back of the hand
- Nerve entrapments following wrist or hand fractures or scar tissue
- Repetitive strain injuries resulting in chronic nerve irritation or inflammation
- Nerve tumors or cysts compressing nerves within the hand
- Post-surgical or post-traumatic nerve scarring (neuroma) causing chronic pain
- Nerve inflammation from autoimmune or infectious conditions
What are the signs & symptoms of hand nerve dysfunction?
When the nerves in your hand are compressed, injured, or damaged, it can disrupt normal sensation and movement. These symptoms may start subtly and worsen over time if left untreated. Common signs and symptoms of hand nerve dysfunction include:
- Numbness or tingling in the fingers or palm
- Weakness when gripping or pinching objects
- Burning or electric shock-like sensations in the hand
- Muscle wasting or visible thinning in the hand
- Pain that worsens with activity or repetitive motion
- Clumsiness or frequent dropping of objects
- Sensitivity to cold or touch in certain fingers
- Hand stiffness or cramping without exertion
- Lack of coordination in fine motor tasks
- Radiating pain from the wrist into the fingers or forearm
What are the treatments for hand nerve dysfunction?
Diagnosing hand nerve dysfunction requires a careful and expert evaluation. Dr. Sharma emphasizes the importance of a hands-on physical exam to precisely pinpoint the source of symptoms—often succeeding where imaging or prior tests have fallen short. Once the diagnosis is made, he creates a personalized treatment plan based on the specific nerve involved, the severity of dysfunction, and the patient’s lifestyle and goals. Treatment options for hand nerve dysfunction may include:
- Use of splints or braces to reduce pressure on affected nerves
- Targeted nerve blocks or steroid injections to reduce inflammation
- Physical or occupational therapy to restore function and prevent further strain
- Oral medications to manage neuropathic pain or inflammation
- Nerve decompression surgery to relieve pressure on compressed nerves
- Nerve repair or grafting procedures for traumatic or degenerative injuries
- Tendon transfer surgery to restore movement when nerves are permanently damaged
- Removal of neuromas or nerve tumors causing pain or compression
- Revision surgeries for failed previous procedures or persistent symptoms
- Comprehensive pain management strategies tailored to chronic nerve dysfunction
Why choose Dr. Sharma for hand conditions?
Dr. Ketan Sharma is a board-certified hand and nerve surgeon with advanced training in peripheral nerve surgery. He specializes in diagnosing and treating patients who have often been misdiagnosed or left untreated for months or years. With a background in neuroscience from Johns Hopkins and surgical training under world-renowned mentors, Dr. Sharma brings a rare combination of technical skill and deep clinical insight. He performs over 600 nerve and pain surgeries annually and offers unmatched experience in relieving nerve-related pain.
Patients trust Dr. Sharma because he offers:
- Expertise in both common and rare hand nerve conditions
- In-depth physical evaluations to identify the true source of dysfunction
- Proven outcomes in nerve decompression and reconstruction procedures
- Personalized care plans designed for long-term relief and function
- Compassionate support for patients who have been told “nothing more can be done”
Schedule a consultation today to explore advanced hand treatments with Dr. Sharma and take the next step toward lasting relief.
