Fixing nerve pain in your hand often involves specific treatments depending on the cause, especially if related to a nerve injury.
When nerve pain in your hand stems from an injury, the approach to fixing it typically involves either nonsurgical methods or, in more severe cases, surgery. The primary goal is to alleviate pain, restore function, and allow the nerve to heal.
Nonsurgical Treatments for Nerve Injuries
For many nerve injuries in the hand that are not severe tears or complete severances, nonsurgical treatments are the first line of defense. According to the provided reference, nonsurgical treatment of nerve injuries can include:
- Rest: Avoiding activities that put stress on the affected nerve or hand. Giving the hand time to heal is crucial.
- Splinting: Using a splint helps to immobilize the hand or wrist, keeping it in a position that reduces pressure or tension on the injured nerve. This can be particularly helpful for conditions like carpal tunnel syndrome, which involves nerve compression.
- Icing: Applying ice to the affected area can help reduce inflammation and swelling, which in turn can decrease pressure on the nerve and alleviate pain.
- Physical Therapy: A structured program of exercises and techniques guided by a therapist can improve mobility, strengthen supporting muscles, reduce stiffness, and help the nerve tissue heal and regain function.
Surgical Treatment for Severed Nerves
In more serious cases, nonsurgical methods are not sufficient. As the reference states, if the nerve has been severed, then surgery will be necessary.
- Nerve Repair Surgery: The purpose of surgery is to rejoin the disconnected ends of the nerve. This allows the nerve fibers to potentially regrow across the repair site, aiming to restore function and feeling in the hand over time.
The specific treatment plan for nerve pain in your hand will depend on an accurate diagnosis of the underlying cause and the severity of any nerve damage.
