Comprehensive Care for Nerve Damage
in the Wrist or Hand
Nerve damage in the wrist or hand can significantly affect your ability to perform everyday tasks, often leading to frustration and discomfort. Conditions like carpal tunnel syndrome or traumatic nerve injuries can impair sensation and mobility, may be chronically painful, making it challenging to maintain independence.
We understand the difficulties that come with nerve damage and the impact it can have on your quality of life. At UK Hand and Wrist Surgery, we provide expert care to diagnose and treat nerve injuries in the wrist and hand, offering tailored solutions to alleviate symptoms and restore function.
Common Causes of Nerve Damage
in the Wrist or Hand
Nerve damage can arise from various factors, often linked to specific conditions or injuries. Common causes include:
- Carpal Tunnel Syndrome: A condition caused by compression of the median nerve within the carpal tunnel, leading to symptoms such as numbness, tingling and weakness.
- Trauma or Injuries: Direct injuries to the hand or wrist, such as fractures or lacerations, or even previous surgery may damage nerves, causing pain and loss of function.
- Repetitive Strain: Prolonged or repetitive movements can irritate nerves and contribute to conditions like carpal tunnel syndrome.
- Inflammation or Systemic Conditions: Conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis can increase pressure on nerves, exacerbating symptoms.
Symptoms of Nerve Damage in the Wrist or Hand
Recognising symptoms early can help prevent further damage. Key indicators include:
- Pain and Tingling: Persistent discomfort, tingling, burning, or even shock-like sensations, often linked to nerve irritation or damage.
- Numbness: A common symptom of carpal tunnel syndrome, particularly in the thumb, index and middle fingers.
- Weakness: Difficulty gripping or holding objects may indicate nerve impairment.
- Reduced Sensation: Affected areas may feel less sensitive to touch, temperature, or pain.
When severed nerve fibres are identified, surgical options may be necessary to reconnect them microsurgically and support their regeneration.
Diagnosing Nerve Damage
Accurate diagnosis is critical for determining the appropriate treatment for nerve damage. At UK Hand and Wrist Surgery, we utilise advanced diagnostic techniques, including:
- Physical Examination: Assessing hand or wrist strength, sensation and range of motion to identify abnormalities.
- Electrodiagnostic Tests: Nerve conduction studies and electromyography (EMG) are used to diagnose carpal tunnel syndrome and evaluate nerve function.
- Imaging Tests: Ultrasound or MRI may be employed to assess nerve compression or structural abnormalities.
Treatment Options for Nerve Damage
Treatment depends on the type and severity of the nerve injury. Options include both nonsurgical and surgical approaches:
Nonsurgical Treatment
- Rest and Activity Modification: Reducing strain on the affected nerve can alleviate symptoms and promote healing.
- Steroid Injections: These may be recommended to reduce inflammation and relieve pain in conditions like carpal tunnel syndrome.
- Physical Therapy: Strengthening exercises and techniques to improve nerve function and mobility.
Surgical Treatment
Severe cases may require surgical intervention to repair nerve damage and restore function:
- Carpal Tunnel Release: This procedure involves cutting the transverse carpal ligament to relieve pressure on the median nerve.
- Neurolysis: In cases of scarred nerves, they can be carefully freed up from surrounding scar tissue
- Nerve Repair: For injuries involving severed nerves, surgical repair reconnects the nerve ends to facilitate healing.This is achieved via direct repair, nerve conduits or nerve grafts, with microsurgery.
- Nerve Outer Wrap: This technique protects the nerve during recovery, reducing the risk of further damage and scarring.
- Nerve relocation: Sometimes, damaged painful nerves can be freed up and relocated proximally into bone or muscle, primarily to treat chronic pain
- Nerve transfer: A technique to treat pain; or restore motor/sensory function, using microsurgery. It involves donor and recipient nerves, with either end to end or end to side microsurgical coaptations.
Early intervention for nerve damage in the wrist or hand can significantly improve the chances of full recovery and prevent long-term complications.
Key Benefits of Timely Treatment
Early treatment for nerve damage can provide numerous advantages, including:
- Relief from Pain and Discomfort: Reducing inflammation and compression improves quality of life.
- Improved Hand Function: Restoring sensation and strength allows for better performance of daily tasks.
- Prevention of Further Damage: Timely intervention prevents irreversible nerve damage.
Recovery and Aftercare
Recovery from nerve damage treatment varies depending on the severity of the injury and the type of treatment performed. Key aspects of aftercare include:
- Immobilisation: Splints or braces may be used to support the wrist or hand during healing.
- Gradual Rehabilitation: Physical therapy helps regain strength, sensation and mobility.
- Regular Follow-Ups: Ongoing assessments ensure the treatment plan remains effective and any concerns are addressed promptly.
Why Choose UK Hand and Wrist Surgery
for Nerve Damage Treatment?
At UK Hand and Wrist Surgery, we combine advanced diagnostic tools, surgical techniques and personalised care to address nerve damage in the wrist or hand. Under the leadership of Mr Patrick Goon, we aim to deliver effective solutions tailored to each patient’s condition and goals.
Whether managing carpal tunnel syndrome symptoms or performing intricate nerve repair, our team is committed to achieving the best possible outcomes. Trust UK Hand and Wrist Surgery to guide your recovery and help restore hand function with expert care.
Meet Mr Patrick Goon
Mr Goon, a highly trained Specialist Hand Surgeon, leads our clinic with expertise and a commitment to excellence in care. His experience spans a range of simple to complex procedures, from carpal tunnel release to wrist fusion to tendon and nerve repair. His focus on minimally invasive techniques supports optimal recovery and reduces post-operative discomfort, ensuring patients achieve the best possible outcomes. Particularly in nerve conditions, the ability to perform the appropriate microsurgical treatment is critical for success, and our patients can be confident that their surgeon is a skilled microsurgeon, routinely using microsurgery in their practice.
Find out more
Book an Appointment with Mr Goon
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the recovery time after nerve damage treatment?
Recovery time varies based on the severity of the condition and the treatment method. For minor nerve injuries, recovery may take a few weeks with nonsurgical treatments, while surgical procedures like carpal tunnel syndrome surgery may require several months of rehabilitation to regain full function.
When is surgery necessary for nerve damage?
Surgery is typically recommended when conservative treatments fail to provide relief or if the nerve damage is severe. Procedures such as carpal tunnel surgery aim to relieve pressure on the median nerve and repair affected inner nerve fibres, restoring function.
What factors influence the severity of a nerve injury?
The severity of a nerve injury depends on factors such as the type of trauma, the location of the damage and how quickly treatment is initiated. Early diagnosis and tailored treatment plans are essential for optimal outcomes.
How can carpal tunnel syndrome be treated effectively?
To treat carpal tunnel syndrome, options range from wrist braces and activity modification to surgical intervention, depending on symptom severity. Carpal tunnel release surgery is often recommended for long-term relief in severe cases.
What Our Patients Say
Written by a NHS patient at Lister Hospital
5th July 2024
I managed to dislocate one knuckle and badly break another knuckle in the same finger into multiple pieces, an injury which every Healthcare Professional that saw the X-ray told me was not only severe damage but also a particularly rare injury. Mr Goon and his team screwed the knuckle back together, which was particularly fiddly given the multiple small pieces.
After the operation I was given a number of exercises which were progressively added to over a series of regular appointments, both with Mr Goon and multiple Hand Therapists, to check and monitor my progress. I followed their instructions as closely as I could, both in frequency of exercising and how far to push the injury (I did want to actually recover fully after all, so why would I have not listened to the experts!), even though this was sometimes inconvenient or sore.
I’m delighted to say that I now have full use and movement of the finger and a scar which is unnoticeable unless you look very closely for it. Mr Goon and his team are all a credit to the NHS, not only due to their expertise, but all kept a very friendly and positive attitude at all times not just about the potential recovery but also with their general demeanor, were always supportive and happy to answer any question I had, even if I was worried they may have been obvious answers, and were always clear about the next steps I needed to take.
It’s also worth mentioning for anyone that may be critical of the NHS which is clearly currently under intense pressure based on the number of patients in the Hospital ever time I went in, I sustained the injury on a Wednesday evening, had the dislocation sorted at a Hospital walk-in clinic within 1.5 hours and had met the surgeon, gone through the options and procedure and was in surgery by Saturday morning. Mr Goon even came to see me himself and tell me how the procedure had gone as soon as I was fully awake. This shows what an amazing service the NHS actually provides, and I didn’t have to pay a penny.
The whole experience has far exceeded my expectations and I can only thank Mr Goon and his entire team for the amazing work that they have done to ensure my full recovery.
Recommend
Trust
Listening
Written by a NHS patient at Lister Hospital
3rd October 2024
I had an accident at work that led to part of my finger being cut off. Mr. Goon has been treating me, and thanks to his skill, I’ve actually got that part of my finger back, including the nail. Honestly didn’t think that’d be possible, especially not so soon. I’m really grateful to have had such a great doctor during such a rough time. It couldn’t have gone better. Joe Efford
Recommend
Trust
Listening
Written by a NHS patient at Lister Hospital
10th October 2024
I saw Dr Goon following an accident with a horse which resulted in numerous breakages in my thumb. Having had numerous visits and having experienced terrible pain I was not sure if Doctor Goon could help. How wrong I was, he was extremely good in every aspect of his work getting my pain under control pretty quickly. He reassured me, listening to my concerns and always made me feel completely at ease. He has a very positive attitude at all times with every visit exceeding my expectations. I will require further surgery but I am not concerned as I cannot fault the care from Mr Goon and his great team to date. I know I will be in safe hands. He is indeed “The Miracle Man”.
Recommend
Trust
Listening
