Nerve compression in the palm can cause hand pain and radiating pain up to the arm, often accompanied by numbness in the fingers, especially the thumb, index finger, middle finger, and part of the ring finger along the nerve path, as illustrated
Numbness in Hands
- Pain increases with prolonged gripping activities such as holding a knife, scissors, working with a hammer, or using vibrating tools from hairdryers to concrete jackhammers
- Often, pain occurs at night or upon waking in the morning. In cases where compression persists, hand weakness may develop, such as feeling less strength in the hand
- Gripping objects, especially small ones, becomes difficult and muscle atrophy may appear in the palm
Causes of Hand Numbness
Pain and numbness occur due to high pressure in the tunnel through which the nerve passes in the palm area, caused by inflammation and thickening of the tissue covering this tunnel. Compressing the nerve and in long-standing cases, thin fibrous tissue may form another layer constricting the nerve, making medication ineffective
Diagnosis
In some cases, examination of the electrical system of the nerves and muscles may be necessary
Risk Factors and Related Diseases
- Diabetes
- Arthritis, such as rheumatoid arthritis, gout
- Underactive thyroid gland
- Pregnancy
- Cysts or tumors in the tunnel
- Fractures in the wrist area
- Prolonged use of the hand
- Edema from kidney disease, liver disease
Treatment of Hand Numbness
- Avoid prolonged hand use in a gripping position
- Control or treat chronic diseases, especially diabetes well
- Using non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) taken orally often yields good results at the discretion of the doctor
- In some cases, temporary wrist support devices may be required
- Injecting steroids into the tunnel helps reduce inflammation and some cases can recover
Surgery
Is a treatment for cases with severe symptoms or muscle weakness and atrophy that do not respond to medication, which can completely cure the condition. Surgery involves cutting and separating the fibrous tissue that constricts the nerve, which is a minor operation, and patients can use their hand within 2 weeks
