Hand weakness lasting for weeks or months is typically brought on by a treatable medical condition.
If left untreated, the weakness can worsen along with the underlying cause.
Carpal tunnel syndrome is resulting from swelling on the inside of the wrist.
Verywell / Laura Porter
Sometimes anerve conduction study(which tracks electrical activity through nerves) may be needed to confirm the diagnosis.
Carpal tunnel syndrome is a treatable problem.
One of the complications of diabetes is nerve damage, referred to asdiabetic neuropathy.
Diabetic neuropathy most often affects the hands and feet.
But, in some instances, diabetic neuropathy may be the first sign of diabetes.
Blood tests can identify whether you have diabetes.
The hands and feet are most commonly affected.
Most neuropathies will improve once the underlying cause is treated.
What vitamin deficiency causes hand weakness?
Arthritis is a painful condition that is treatable with anti-inflammatory drugs, ice/cold system, and physical therapy.
It can be debilitating but is rarely life-threatening.
Physical therapy can also help.
Herniated Disc
A herniated disc is a displacement of the cartilage that supports and anchors the spine.
A herniated disc can press on the spinal nerves and affect how they work.
A herniated disc can be treated with physical therapy, anti-inflammatory drugs, or opioid medications.
Surgery may be used in certain situations.
This is often triggered by sleeping in a position that presses on the radial nerve for hours.
In rare instances, surgical nerve repair may be needed.
Ulnar Neuropathy
Ulnar neuropathy is because of the injury of a nerve called theulnar nerve.
This nerve, which controls arm and hand movement, is most often compressed at the elbow.
If an infection is involved (typically bacterial), antibiotics may be prescribed.
Traumatic injuries may require an elbow brace until the symptoms improve.
Some cases require no treatment.
Cubital Tunnel Syndrome
Cubital tunnel syndrome is a pop in of ulnar neuropathy.
It triggers when the ulnar nerve, located on the inside of the elbow, is injured.
Symptoms are brought on by inflammation, swelling, and irritation of this nerve.
It can also occur because of a previous injury to the elbow or because of arthritis.
These tests check how well your nerves are functioning.
An X-ray can also help your healthcare provider determine if there is arthritis or bone spurs in your elbow.
Treatment for this condition usually starts with discontinuing the activity that led to your symptoms.
Multiple Sclerosis
Multiple sclerosis (MS)is a chronic condition of the central nervous system.
People with MS have damage to the myelin, which is the protective sheath that forms around nerves.
MS can be mild or severe.
Some people have periods where their symptoms get worse followed by periods where their disease goes into remission.
MS is a chronic condition, which means it can be treated but not cured.
Most cases of MS get worse over time.
Multiple sclerosis can make your hands weak.
The condition affects the tendons that you use to bend your wrist backward.
Symptoms of tennis elbow may start with pain and burning along your forearm and elbow.
In some cases, they may also order imaging tests such as an X-ray, MRI, or electromyography.
Treatment usually begins with discontinuing the activity that caused the condtiion.
Strokes happen when there is a blockage or hemorrhage that prevents blood from reaching the brain.
These tests look for bleeding in the brain and check how well blood is flowing.
In some cases, surgery is needed to remove a blood clot or stop bleeding.
Summary
There are many possible causes of sudden or persistent hand weakness.
Most are treatable and rarely serious, although they can cause significant discomfort and disability if left untreated.
Others may require physical therapy or surgery.
Other possible causes include:
No.
Physical or occupational therapists can show you the best ways to regain function.
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