What Is Causing The Pain & Numbness In Your Hands?

By Ting Oh, Phyiscal Therapist at Fyzical Therapy & Balance Centers

Tired of pain and numbness in your hands waking you up at night or causing weakness when you try and hold and lift things? In many cases, these problems can be fixed but knowing what is actually causing the problem can go a long way in helping find the correct treatment.

The most common cause of pain, numbness and weakness in the hands is from pinched nerves. Most people are familiar with carpal tunnel which is a pinched nerve at the wrist. This causes symptoms in the thumb, index and middle fingers and often is worse when sleeping and when using your hands such as being on a computer. However there is another nerve that often gets pinched at the elbow called the ulnar nerve which causes symptoms in the ring and pinky fingers and can be worse when you sleep and when you keep your elbow bent for a long time. Both can cause weakness in the hands.

How do you tell the difference between the two? The best test is an EMG/NCS. It is > 85% accurate in diagnosing which one is causing your problem and how severe it is. Knowing what is causing the problem can help you figure out your best treatment options. In Mild and Moderate cases, braces for either the hand or elbow along with Physical Therapy can help. In some Severe cases, surgery may be considered before the nerve gets damaged. Be cautious of trying to do exercises on your own as doing the wrong exercises and stretches may make the problem worse, especially if the nerves are showing signs of damage.

So if pain, numbness or weakness in your hands is becoming a problem, give us a call at FYZICAL Hazleton. We have helped thousands of people in the Hazleton area over the last 15+ years. We are not only experts at treating pinched nerves with treatments such as cold laser, medical cupping and rebuilder, but we are also a diagnostic center. We perform EMG/NCS and ultrasound imaging and can help you figure out what is causing your problem to help you get it resolved.

To schedule an initial visit, give us a call at 570-501-1808. Also feel free to contact us if you have any questions.

For more information, visit our website www.FYZCIAL.com/Hazleton and look for us on Facebook and Youtube.