Ace Physiotherapy and Sports in Singapore
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+65 81535374 -
ACE PHYSIO SPORTS
East gate Building, 46 East Coast Road
#08-03 Singapore 428766 -
Opening Hours
Mon to Fri: 08:00am - 8:00pm -
Opening Hours
Sat: 08:00am - 4:00pm
Sunday (By prior appointment)
Nerve Injury
What is a nerve injury in the hand?
Nerves transmit electrical impulses between the body and the brain. There are two main types of nerves: motor nerves, which control muscle movements, and sensory nerves, which carry information about sensations such as touch, temperature, and pain.
Nerves are delicate structures and can be damaged by stretching, pressure, or cutting injuries. When a nerve is damaged, it may stop functioning properly and no longer transmit messages between the brain and the body. This can result in muscle weakness or paralysis in the area supplied by the nerve, or a loss of sensation. Nerve injuries can occur in many parts of the body, including the hand.
What are the symptoms of a nerve injury in the hand?
There are different symptoms associated with a nerve injury in the hand. Some of those symptoms may include:
- Numbness or tingling in the fingers or palm
- A burning or electric shock-like sensation
- Weakness in the hand or fingers
- Difficulty gripping or holding objects
- Muscle wasting in the hand (in long-standing cases)
- Increased sensitivity to touch
- Pain that may radiate up the arm
What should I do if I have a nerve injury in my hand?
If you suspect that you have a nerve injury in your hand, you should attend your nearest accident and emergency department as soon as possible. Early diagnosis and treatment are important to prevent long-term damage. The medical team will assess your symptoms, and you may require imaging or nerve conduction tests to determine the extent of the injury. Prompt treatment can improve your chances of full recovery and help prevent complications such as permanent weakness, loss of sensation, or muscle atrophy.
Physiotherapy for a nerve injury in the hand.
Nerve recovery after surgery can take several months, and physiotherapy plays a crucial role during this time. The physiotherapists at acephysiosports.com will work closely with your hand surgeon to ensure your rehabilitation is well-coordinated and tailored to your specific needs.
Following a nerve repair in the hand—or even when a repair is not required—physiotherapy can help optimise your recovery. Treatment for a nerve injury in the hand may include:
- Splinting to protect the healing nerve and support proper positioning.
- Desensitisation techniques to reduce discomfort from hypersensitivity in the affected area.
- Sensory re-education exercises to help retrain the brain to interpret nerve signals correctly.
- Strengthening exercises to maintain and improve muscle function as the nerve recovers.
- Range of motion exercises to prevent stiffness in nearby joints.
- Scar management if surgery was involved, to keep the scar soft and flexible.
- Functional training to help you return to daily tasks and specific hand functions.
What shouldn’t I do if I have a nerve injury in my hand?
If you suspect that you have a nerve injury in your hand, you should not ignore the problem in the hope that it will resolve on its own. Nerve injuries can be serious and may require surgical intervention or specialist treatment to restore function and sensation. Delaying medical attention can result in long-term complications, including permanent loss of movement or feeling in the affected area.
Treatment for a nerve injury in the hand.
If the injury damages both the nerve and the insulating sheath (myelin) surrounding it, the insulation must be carefully repaired to enable the nerve to regenerate. Nerve fibres in the hand are extremely small, making this a highly delicate surgical procedure. Because the repaired sheath is very fragile in the early stages, a splint is typically worn for the first few weeks to protect the repair site and allow it to strengthen.
Once the insulating tissue is repaired, it typically takes about three to four weeks for the nerve to regenerate across the site of the injury. During this time, it is common to experience a "pins and needles" sensation in the hand, which is generally considered a positive sign that healing is taking place.
Could there be any long-term effects from a metacarpal fracture?
Most metacarpal fractures heal without complications within a few weeks. However, some cases may lead to longer-term issues, especially if nearby structures are also injured. These may include surrounding joints and cartilage, nerves, blood vessels, ligaments, or tendons. Damage to these structures can prolong recovery and may require more intensive treatment.
To arrange an appointment, please call +65 81535374 or visit acephysiosports.com.
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