Tendon or nerve injury of the hand

Nerves are the communication wires between the brain and the body. Tendons connect the muscles to the bones to create movement. Tendon or nerves in the hand and wrist can be damaged by an injury such as a cut or stretching, or by too much pressure on the nerves like carpal tunnel syndrome. These injuries range from mild to serious, but a severe injury or a cut to a tendon or nerve may result in loss of movement in your hand or wrist.

Tendon or nerve injury symptoms

Symptoms of tendon or nerve injury vary depending on severity of the damage but may include:

Burning sensation
Limited range of motion in hand or wrist
Numbness
Pain
Sudden loss of motion in hand or wrist
Twitching
Weakness

Tendon or nerve injury diagnosis

Experts at The Christ Hospital Health Network will assess your tendon or nerve injury. During your visit, one of our specialists will review your health history and conduct a thorough exam of the affected area in the hand or wrist.

To determine the extent of nerve damage, your doctor may recommend one of the following tests:

Physical exam – most tendon or nerve injuries can be diagnosed based on symptoms and physical exam alone.
Electromyography (EMG)—a diagnostic test that records nerve activity. Absent or low activity can be a nerve injury indicator.
Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)—a diagnostic test that provides detailed images of the body structures of the hand and wrist.

Tendon or nerve injury treatment

Treatment for tendon or nerve injuries varies based on the extent of the nerve damage. Our experts at The Christ Hospital Health Network will create a specialized treatment plan for your tendon or nerve injury. If the damage is mild, the nerves often repair themselves. If the injury is more severe, it may take weeks or even months for the nerves to heal.

Treatments include:

Anti-inflammatory medicines—for pain relief.
Rest—limited movement of the hand/wrist.
Surgery—the nerves or tendons are sewn together so they heal correctly.

If you have pain and symptoms associated with nerve damage of the hand or wrist, our orthopedic specialists can help you get back to your active life.

Find a hand and wrist specialist near you.