Numbness, tingling, muscle weakness, or burning pain can make everyday tasks feel impossible. If you’re dealing with these symptoms, you may be suffering from peripheral nerve damage. At Sharma Hand & Nerve, Dr. Ketan Sharma offers expert diagnosis and advanced surgical care to help restore function and improve your quality of life.
What is nerve damage or injury?
Nerve damage or injury occurs when the peripheral nerves outside the brain and spinal cord are stretched, compressed, or completely severed. These nerves control muscle movement, sensation, and functions like blood pressure or sweating. When damaged, they can cause symptoms like pain, numbness, tingling, or muscle weakness. Nerve injuries may result from trauma, stress, medical conditions like diabetes, or even previous surgeries. Dr. Sharma uses advanced diagnostic tools to identify the problem and develop treatment plans that restore nerve function.
What are the signs & symptoms of nerve damage or injury?
Nerve damage can feel different for everyone, depending on which nerves are affected and how severe the injury is. Some people notice subtle tingling, while others struggle with intense pain or weakness. It’s important to recognize these warning signs early. Common signs and symptoms of nerve damage or injury include:
- Numbness or tingling in the hands, feet, or limbs
- Sharp, burning, or shooting pain along a nerve path
- Muscle weakness or difficulty gripping objects
- Heightened sensitivity to touch or temperature
- Loss of coordination or balance
- Muscle cramps or twitching
- Changes in sweating or blood pressure
- Pain that worsens with certain movements or positions
- Difficulty sensing hot or cold
- Partial or complete loss of movement in the affected area
What causes nerve damage or injury?
Nerve damage or injury happens when peripheral nerves are stretched, compressed, inflamed, or severed. These injuries can disrupt how your brain and body communicate, leading to pain, numbness, muscle weakness, or loss of function. Sometimes the damage is immediate, such as from trauma, and other times it develops slowly from chronic pressure or underlying medical conditions. Understanding the root cause is essential to choosing the right treatment. Common causes of nerve damage or injury include:
- Repetitive pressure or compression on a nerve
- Traumatic injuries from accidents or falls
- Surgical complications affecting nearby nerves
- Underlying conditions like diabetes or autoimmune disease
- Sports or work-related overuse and strain
- Nerve entrapment in areas like the wrist, elbow, or ankle
- Infections that affect nerve health, such as shingles or Lyme disease
- Exposure to toxins such as heavy metals or chemotherapy drugs
- Chronic inflammation from conditions like rheumatoid arthritis
- Hereditary nerve disorders or genetic predispositions
What are the treatments for nerve damage or injury?
Treating nerve damage starts with an accurate diagnosis. Dr. Sharma uses advanced imaging and nerve studies to identify the location, cause, and severity of the injury. Every treatment plan is highly individualized and focused on restoring function, relieving pain, and improving long-term quality of life. Depending on the type of nerve involved and the extent of the damage, Dr. Sharma may recommend conservative therapies, surgical solutions, or a combination of both. Treatment options for nerve damage or injury may include:
- Medication to manage pain and inflammation
- Physical therapy to rebuild strength and coordination
- Occupational therapy to improve hand or limb function
- Nerve decompression to relieve pressure on a compressed nerve
- Nerve repair or reconstruction for severed or injured nerves
- Nerve grafting using healthy donor or patient tissue
- Nerve transfer to restore movement by rerouting functional nerves
- Neurolysis to release nerves from scar tissue or adhesions
- Thoracic outlet decompression to relieve upper limb nerve entrapment
- Ongoing monitoring and follow-up care to track healing progress
Why choose Dr. Sharma for nerve damage or injury?
Dr. Ketan Sharma is a board-certified hand and peripheral nerve surgeon with advanced fellowship training in microsurgery and nerve reconstruction. He specializes in diagnosing and treating complex nerve injuries that affect the hands, arms, and upper body. Whether your condition stems from trauma, compression, or a chronic medical issue, he is committed to restoring your strength, sensation, and quality of life. Patients trust Dr. Sharma because of his:
- Board certification in hand and nerve surgery
- Fellowship training in peripheral nerve and microsurgical reconstruction
- Experience with both common and complex nerve injuries
- Use of advanced imaging and electrodiagnostic tools for precise diagnoses
- Proven outcomes in restoring function and relieving pain
- Compassionate, patient-focused approach to care
If you’re struggling with the symptoms of nerve damage, schedule a consultation with Dr. Sharma at Sharma Hand & Nerve today.
