Our nervous system plays a crucial role in the functions of the body – everything from regulating our breathing to controlling our muscles. The nerves transmit messages between the various parts of the body and the brain, allowing our body to move and feel pain, pressure, and temperature.
Our functioning would be virtually impossible without our nerves. That is why having a nerve injury can cause severe pain or numbness and can, eventually, affect your quality of life.
What Nerve Injuries Are Most Common in the Arms?
There are several long nerves in our arms that are responsible for the movement, feeling, and reflexes of our arms, shoulders, and hands. This nerve system forms a complex structure called the brachial plexus, and it stretches from the neck to the hands.
Some of the related nerve injuries of the upper extremities include the following:
1. Erb’s Palsy
Erb’s palsy occurs when there is an injury to the upper part of the brachial plexus. It results in the weakness or partial paralysis of the arm, and it occurs fairly frequently in babies as they are being born – this is due to the nerves being compressed during childbirth.
2. Klumpke Palsy
Klumpke palsy, on the other hand, is an injury to the lower part of the brachial plexus. It affects the forearm, wrist, and hand, and it causes poor reflexes, paralysis, claw hands, or limpness in the lower arm.
3. Saturday Night Palsy
Saturday night palsy, or radial nerve dysfunction, occurs due to the compression of the radial nerve and usually follows sleeping on the arm. As a result, you might temporarily lose your ability to extend your elbow or bend your hand backward.
4. Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
Carpal tunnel syndrome, or median nerve compression, causes numbness or weakness in your hand that can become permanent if left untreated. This condition results from overuse and excessive pressure on the median nerve in your wrist.
5. Ulnar Nerve Entrapment
Ulnar nerve entrapment, also known as cubital tunnel syndrome, occurs due to the compression and irritation of the ulnar nerve. It mainly affects the ring finger and little finger as numbness and weakness.
This nerve runs behind and underneath the elbow, and when it is struck, the sensation is referred to as the “funny bone” – even though the bone itself isn’t what causes the unusual feeling.
Nerve Injury Symptoms and Causes
Nerve damage can bring about a wide array of symptoms, depending on the location and type of nerve affected. The most common symptoms include the following:
- Weakness
- Tremor
- Paralysis
- Numbness
- Tingling
The possible causes of nerve injuries in the arm include the following:
- Fracturing your humerus (upper arm bone)
- Sleeping with your arm in an awkward position
- Pressure from leaning on your arm
- Falling on your arm
- Long-term constriction of your wrist
Treating Hand and Shoulder Injuries in Maryland
Having functional nerves allows us to do our daily activities with ease. However, when accidents arise, developing a nerve injury can disrupt your lifestyle – and Greater Chesapeake Hand to Shoulder is here for you.
If you have any questions or would like to schedule an appointment, contact us today by calling us at (410) 296-6232 or request an appointment now via our online form. We look forward to seeing you here.
