There are many important tissues in the human body such as cartilage, bone and tendon. When these tissues put pressure on the nerves for some reasons, a condition called nerve compression occurs. The nerves in our body have many important functions. One of these functions is to enable us to move without any restrictions, and another is to carry signals from the brain region to the organs. When there is any problem in these nerves, problems may occur in all these functions.
I have a pinched nerve in my hand, what should I do?
The condition called nerve compression can be seen in many different parts of the body. However, one of the most common areas is the hand and wrist area. The nerve compression that occurs here is also called carpal tunnel syndrome. There are many different factors that can cause this situation. Some surgical operations, hernias or narrowings in the spinal cord area may be shown to cause this condition.
There is a nerve structure called the median in the hand part of our body. When nerve compression occurs, this nerve is damaged and the arm, wrist and fingers are also affected. The main reason for this effect is that the structure called the carpal tunnel is located in the wrist part. Since the nerves pass through here, a compression problem occurs in the wrist area. In cases of nerve compression that lasts for a long time and never goes away, it is useful to consult orthopedists, physical therapists or neurologists.
What are the symptoms of nerve compression in the hand?
Nerve compression in the hand area may cause inability to use the hand and wrist parts fully. It can also cause permanent damage if left untreated. Therefore, in such cases, it is important to consult a specialist doctor as soon as possible. The nerves in our body allow us to move comfortably and allow our senses to function correctly.
When any damage or pressure occurs on these nerves, the brain cannot perceive the commands coming from it, and over time, problems such as weakness and insensitivity occur in the affected areas. Insensitivity and weakness are one of the most important symptoms of nerve compression in the hand area. Symptoms of nerve compression in the other hand are generally as follows:
- Feeling of weakness in the hand area
- Desensitization of the hand area
- Frequent numbness in fingers
- Dropping while trying to hold objects or similar objects with hands
- Pain in the hands and wrist area
- Tingling sensation in the affected hand, wrist and fingers
- Decreased skin sensations such as touch
- Burning sensation in fingers
- Pain sensation radiating from the wrist area to the arm
- Numbness, tingling and pain that cause waking up at night
What is good for nerve compression in the hand?
As a result of nerve compression in the hand and wrist area, people may not be able to use these areas fully. If left untreated, complaints become more frequent. Feelings of tingling, numbness, burning and pain increase, and problems that wake up at night occur. When you experience a nerve compression problem in your hand, it is very important to see a doctor who is an expert in your field without wasting time.
If left untreated, these problems increase day by day and permanent damage to the nerves may occur. In order to prevent the problem of nerve compression in the hand, it is necessary to avoid certain movements. It is important at this point not to put too much pressure on the wrist and not to do heavy work. It is possible to prevent this problem with exercises that are good for nerve compression in the hand. For this purpose, some exercises for the hand and wrist can be done. It is of great importance that all this is done under the supervision of a doctor.
How to relieve nerve compression in the hand?
Nerve compression experienced in the wrist part of the human body is medically referred to as carpal tunnel syndrome. The reason why it got this name is the carpal tunnel area located in the wrist area. Wrist compression affects both palms and fingers. The symptoms of nerve compression in the hand are similar to neck hernia and spinal pain. Therefore, distinguishing these pains correctly is extremely important in terms of correct treatment.
Some tests are applied by experts to diagnose this condition in the hand and wrist area. These tests are very useful in showing how advanced the nerve compression in the area is. When the problem of nerve compression in the hand is not resolved, muscle weakness may occur. This may cause permanent damage to both nerves and muscles in the future. Therefore, it is important to consult a doctor who is an expert on this subject without delay when any symptoms occur.
How is nerve compression in the fingers treated?
The most common areas affected by nerve compression in the wrist area are the fingers. When the problem of nerve compression in the fingers occurs and situations such as tingling, numbness, weakness, insensitivity and muscle weakness occur, it is extremely important for health to visit a specialist doctor without wasting time. In some cases, surgical interventions may be needed to treat nerve compression. In order for the treatment method to be surgical, non-surgical treatment methods must not have worked and serious damage to the muscles must have occurred. The treatment methods used in the non-surgical option for the treatment of nerve compression in the fingers are generally as follows:
- Avoiding movements that strain the hand and wrist area
- Use of medication to reduce complaints in areas with nerve compression
- Use of a wrist brace that helps keep the wrist in the correct position
- Applying cold to reduce swelling in the wrist area
- If the individual’s job is a strain on the wrist, taking precautions
- Injection into the carpal tunnel area located in the wrist
- Doing some exercises to strengthen the hand and wrist
Is hot water good for pinched nerves in the hand?
Nerve compression in the wrist area is an important health problem that negatively affects both the wrist, palm and fingers. When there is nerve compression in the hand, cold application is applied to provide some relief to that area. Applying boiling or hot water to these areas may cause more harm than good.