Hand Numbness Specialists in Raleigh, NC

The hand is one of the most intricate and delicate areas of our bodies. The hand and wrist are composed of 27 bones, multiple tendons, nerves, and blood vessels. As you know, our hands are critical for independent function and livelihood. They allow us to do all the tasks that we normally take for granted – tying a shoelace, turning a key, using a hammer, and typing on the computer. If the hand is numb, or the feeling is not normal, our hand function can decline. 

The doctors and therapists at Raleigh Hand to Shoulder Center know how important our hands are for daily life, and how frustrating it can be when they do not work properly. Our practice focuses on thorough evaluation of the patient’s hand numbness and providing appropriate treatment options for relief. Our mission is to improve the lives of our patients with trusted, compassionate, and cost-effective care. 

Causes of Hand Numbness

There are several different causes of hand numbness. Two very common nerve conditions which lead to hand numbness are carpal tunnel syndrome and cubital tunnel syndrome. These are two types of compressive neuropathies, in which the nerves are compressed or pinched. Injuries which cause numbness in the hand are nerve contusions and nerve lacerations. Other potential causes of hand numbness include diabetic neuropathy, cervical radiculopathy, and vitamin deficiencies, among others.  Most of the time, the doctors at Raleigh Hand to Shoulder Center are able to diagnose the cause of the hand pain by listening to your symptoms and performing a thorough physical examination. Additional testing such as nerve tests (EMG) or diagnostic ultrasounds can be obtained in some cases. 

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

Patients with carpal tunnel syndrome feel numbness and tingling mostly in the thumb, index, middle and ring fingers. This condition is due to increased pressure on the median nerve in the wrist. Initially, symptoms may come and go, and they are often worse with gripping activities such as holding the steering wheel or using tools. The hand can become numb and tingly during sleep, which can awaken you from sleep with nerve pain in the hand and arm. In some severe cases of carpal tunnel syndrome, the hand numbness becomes constant and the thumb muscles can weaken.

Cubital Tunnel Syndrome

Patients with cubital tunnel syndrome feel numbness and tingling mostly in the pinky and ring fingers. This condition is due to increased pressure on the ulnar nerve in the elbow. This is the same nerve involved when you “hit the funny bone” on the inside of the elbow. Bending the elbow into flexion past 90 degrees can increase pressure on the ulnar nerve, often during sleep. In some severe cases of cubital tunnel syndrome there is muscle loss in the hand, hand clumsiness, or lack of fine motor control in the hand. 

Cervical Radiculopathy

Patients with cervical radiculopathy can feel pain, numbness, and weakness in the shoulder to hand. This is caused by an irritated or compressed nerve root in the neck. It is often related to osteoarthritis and/or degenerated disc disease in the cervical spine. Symptoms can vary depending on which nerve root is compressed in the cervical spine. Raleigh Hand to Shoulder Center doctors can help make this diagnosis, but will often recommend referral to a spine specialist for further treatment.  

Nerve Lacerations

When a nerve in the forearm, wrist, or hand is cut by a sharp object, patients feel numbness, tingling and nerve pain in the hand. The nerve pain is often described as electric or burning or pins and needles. The three major nerves which provide feeling to the hand are the median, ulnar, and radial nerves. Each of these nerves have smaller branches which control the sensation and muscle function in the hand and wrist. It is important to see a hand surgeon in a timely manner after a nerve laceration. Repair of the cut nerve is oftentimes possible within a few days of the nerve injury, but it becomes more difficult as time goes on.

Common Hand Numbness Conditions treated by Raleigh Hand Doctors

• Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
• Cubital Tunnel Syndrome
• Nerve injuries
• Nerve lacerations

Nonsurgical Treatment of Hand Numbness in Raleigh

In many cases nonsurgical treatment options are recommended for patients with hand numbness due to nerve compression. The doctors and therapists emphasize conservative treatment and develop an individual treatment plan for each patient. They provide education, an explanation of the condition, and a care plan to manage the symptoms. 

Nonsurgical treatments for carpal tunnel syndrome include:

• Wrist brace during sleep, which keeps the wrist straight
• Corticosteroid Injections
• Hand therapy
• Home stretching exercises
• Avoidance of prolonged wrist flexion or pressure on the median nerve
• Nonsurgical treatments for cubital tunnel syndrome include:
• Elbow splint at night, which keeps the elbow relatively straight
• Home stretching exercises
• Avoidance of prolonged elbow flexion or pressure on the medial elbow

Surgery for Hand Numbness in Raleigh

Raleigh Hand to Shoulder Center doctors will recommend surgery if it is necessary to treat your hand numbness. If the nerve compression is severe, or if the symptoms are not relieved with conservative treatment, surgery will likely be recommended for carpal tunnel syndrome and cubital tunnel syndrome. The doctors are knowledgeable in cutting-edge and less-invasive surgery which may allow patients a more rapid return to their work and lifestyle. Most hand to shoulder procedures are performed as an outpatient at our surgery center, and usually do not require hospitalization. The doctors work closely with hand therapists in their office to get the best outcome possible after surgery.  

Common hand surgeries by Raleigh Hand to Shoulder Center doctors include:

• Carpal tunnel release
• Cubital tunnel release
• Guyon's canal decompression
• Ulnar nerve transposition
• Nerve repair
• Nerve reconstruction using nerve grafts
• Less invasive carpal tunnel release is available at Raleigh Hand to Shoulder Center:
  • Endoscopic carpal tunnel release
  • Mini-open carpal tunnel release
  • Awake carpal tunnel release

Raleigh Hand to Shoulder Center doctors have been recognized for their expert care of hand conditions in the Triangle. Don’t wait to treat your hand numbness! If hand pain or numbness is keeping you from living the life you want to live, consider a consultation with one of our board-certified hand specialists to learn more about your diagnosis and treatment options.