If you’re feeling burning pain, tingling, numbness, or progressive weakness, you may be experiencing nerve degeneration. These symptoms can be frustrating and isolating. At Sharma Hand & Nerve, Dr. Ketan Sharma specializes in diagnosing and treating complex nerve conditions to help patients find real answers and lasting relief.
What is nerve degeneration?
Nerve degeneration refers to the gradual breakdown or loss of nerve cells and their function over time. This can affect both sensory and motor nerves, leading to chronic pain, numbness, tingling, or muscle weakness. It often results from injury, chronic compression, or underlying conditions like diabetes or autoimmune disease. As the nerves deteriorate, signals between the brain and body become disrupted, impairing movement, sensation, and overall function. Early diagnosis and intervention are essential to slowing progression.
What are the signs & symptoms of nerve degeneration?
Nerve degeneration can affect sensation and movement, and the symptoms often worsen over time. These signs may vary depending on which nerves are involved, but many patients experience a mix of sensory and motor issues. Common symptoms to watch for include:
- Persistent tingling or “pins and needles” sensation
- Numbness that spreads or worsens over time
- Burning or shooting pain in affected areas
- Muscle weakness or noticeable loss of strength
- Difficulty with coordination or balance
- Heightened sensitivity to touch or temperature
- Muscle wasting in the hands, feet, or limbs
- Cramping or twitching in weakened muscles
- Loss of reflexes in the arms or legs
- Trouble performing fine motor tasks like buttoning clothes
What causes nerve degeneration?
Nerve degeneration occurs when nerve fibers transmitting signals between the brain and body become damaged or die due to prolonged stress, lack of oxygen, inflammation, or metabolic disruption. This damage interferes with the nerve’s ability to transmit signals, leading to chronic pain, weakness, and sensory changes. Over time, the body may struggle to repair or regenerate these nerves, especially if the underlying cause remains untreated. Several factors can contribute to nerve degeneration, including:
- Persistent pressure from nerve compression
- Traumatic injury to the nerve or surrounding tissue
- Poorly controlled diabetes or metabolic disorders
- Autoimmune conditions that attack nerve tissue
- Exposure to toxins, including alcohol or certain medications
- Chronic inflammation or infection affecting the nerves
- Genetic conditions that impair nerve health and repair
- Nutritional deficiencies, especially in B vitamins
- Degenerative spine conditions affecting nerve roots
- Tumors compressing or invading nerve pathways
- Prolonged immobility or repetitive motion injuries
- Chemotherapy or radiation exposure affecting nerve tissue
What are the treatments for nerve degeneration?
Treating nerve degeneration begins with a precise diagnosis. Dr. Sharma performs a thorough physical examination and evaluates your symptoms to identify the source of nerve damage—often without relying on excessive imaging or inconclusive tests. Once diagnosed, he curates a personalized treatment plan focused on halting degeneration, restoring function, and relieving chronic pain. He aims to address the root cause, not just mask the symptoms.
Depending on the severity and underlying cause, your treatment may include:
- Surgical decompression to relieve pressure on affected nerves
- Nerve repair or grafting to restore damaged connections
- Joint denervation to reduce chronic pain from arthritis
- Targeted physical therapy to rebuild strength and coordination
- Anti-inflammatory or nerve-pain medications for symptom relief
- Nutritional support to address deficiencies impacting nerve health
- Neuromodulation therapies to rebalance nerve signaling
- Ongoing monitoring and long-term recovery planning for progressive cases
Why choose Dr. Sharma for nerve degeneration?
Dr. Ketan Sharma is a board-certified hand and nerve surgeon with advanced training in peripheral nerve surgery and a strong track record of treating complex nerve conditions, including degeneration. With a background in neuroscience from Johns Hopkins and surgical training from top institutions like Duke and Washington University, Dr. Sharma brings unmatched expertise to each case. He focuses on identifying the true anatomical source of pain and customizing treatment to deliver lasting relief, not just temporary fixes.
Patients trust Dr. Sharma because he offers:
- Deep expertise in diagnosing hard-to-find nerve issues
- Advanced surgical techniques for nerve repair and regeneration
- Personalized treatment plans focused on long-term outcomes
- A commitment to restoring function, not just relieving symptoms
- High surgical volume, performing over 600 complex cases annually
If you’re experiencing symptoms of nerve degeneration, schedule a consultation with Dr. Sharma today to explore your options for real, lasting relief.
