Numbness in the Hand Treated in Arlington, VA

The sensory functions of the hand, including touch and temperature, provide essential feedback to the brain to facilitate object recognition and protection. Numbness in the hand can lead to an inability to sense pain and distinguish between hot and cold. Additionally, normal sensations may be altered or replaced by feelings of “pins and needles” and burning, aching or shooting pains. Hand numbness can also cause clumsiness when the hands are used for motor activities.

In most cases, numbness in the hand is caused by irritation or compression of a nerve that supplies the hand. Even though the numbness is localized to the hand, the compromised nerve could be located at any level of the nervous system. For this reason, it is best to seek specialized care. In Arlington, Virginia, many patients turn to Dr. Cassie G. Root, an experienced hand specialist who practices at Nirschl Orthopaedic Center (NOC). Dr. Root is a board-certified, fellowship-trained orthopedic surgeon who has earned a Subspecialty Certificate in Surgery of the Hand from the American Board of Orthopaedic Surgery as well as the trust and respect of countless patients and peers.

How Is Hand Numbness Diagnosed and Treated?

To pinpoint the source of your hand numbness, Dr. Root will review your medical history and perform a physical examination. She may also order lab testing to check for global causes of numbness, such as diabetes or a vitamin deficiency, and imaging studies of your cervical spine, which may reveal a pinched nerve. If Dr. Root suspects nerve compression, she may also order an electromyogram and nerve conduction study.

Treatment for numbness in the hand can vary based on the cause. Nerve compression is typically treated by a hand specialist, while medical causes are best treated by the appropriate specialist. For example, an endocrinologist may be enlisted to treat a patient with diabetes, and a neurologist may be enlisted to treat a patient with multiple sclerosis.

In many cases, nerve compression does not require surgical intervention. After a period of rest and immobilization with a splint, and possibly anti-inflammatory medications or injections, most patients find the relief they need. However, surgery may be considered if hand numbness is severe or does not respond to conservative treatment. The goal of surgery is to relieve pressure on the affected nerve, which may be caused by entrapment in a tunnel, as with carpal tunnel syndrome, or by encroachment of a tumor, such as a ganglion cyst. The optimal surgical approach can vary depending on the location of the compressed nerve.

As one of the premier hand surgeons in the Arlington, VA, area, Dr. Root has extensive experience in treating hand numbness. Contact Nirschl Orthopaedic Center today at (703) 525-2200 to schedule a consultation.