There are many common treatments for ulnar nerve dysfunction. This particular medical issue is known by many names. Many refer to it as “ulnar nerve palsy”, while others may refer to it as “neuropathy”. When an individual suffers from the effects of this condition, it indicates that there are complications occurring with the nerve that attaches to the wrist from the area of the shoulder. When this occurs, numbness, tingling, and other uncommon types of sensations occur in the area of the hand, as well as the wrist. In this guide, you will be introduced to common treatments for ulnar nerve dysfunction.
Symptoms
There are a number of symptoms that may become apparent if an individual is experiencing ulnar nerve dysfunction. One of the first and most identifiable symptoms is the presence of sensations that are unusual in the hand area. These sensations tend to affect the ring and pinky finger of the hand more than any other area. One may find that this area becomes numb, and that they experience a general weakness in the hand and the wrist. Many who suffer from this particular issue often experience tingling sensations and even feelings that they are being burned. Naturally, the person that experiences this condition will have some degree of pain.
Treatments
When it comes to common treatments for ulnar nerve dysfunction, the purpose and intent is to allow the patient the ability to optimize the use of the areas that are heavily affected. Prior to treating this condition, a doctor will likely attempt to uncover the underlying cause in order to determine the best course of action when it comes to the endeavor of curing the condition. There are several instances in which it is relatively difficult to discover the cause. In these cases, a doctor will possibly instruct a patient to indulge in over-the-counter medications in order to control the pain. Furthermore, it is likely that they will prescribe a special type of split to prevent the issue from becoming more serious.
Corticosteroids are another popular choice among medical professionals when it comes to common treatments for ulnar nerve dysfunction. Typically, this type of substance is placed in a syringe that is attached to an open ended needle. The person with the complication is then injected with the substance in the area that is affected the most. It has been found that this substance is effective in reducing the swelling that may be causing the pressure on the ulnar nerve, as well assisting in the area of pain management. Several individuals have successfully recovered from the medical condition once they agreed to corticosteroid injections.
Many doctors will actually prescribe medications that may assist in soothing the symptoms associated with ulnar nerve damage. There are pain medications, as well as prescription medications that will work to reduce swelling. When it comes to prescriptions, Naproxen, Darvocet, and even Neurontin are often popular choices by medical professionals. These medications will assist in the area of reducing swelling, minimizing pain, and will allow the individual to be comfortable despite the fact that the pressure may be becoming damaging.
Physical therapy is also a common treatment for ulnar nerve dysfunction. This type of treatment has been found to be successful in many severe cases in which the ulnar nerve has been damaged. A therapist will work closely with the patient while they perform certain exercises that are effective for strengthening the muscles and increasing oxygen in the body. Naturally, increased circulation is an important aspect of healing. Physical therapy can be quite promising when it comes to the prognosis of the medical condition.
Many doctors will suggest that an individual have surgery if no other treatment is working as appropriate, or if the damage to the ulnar nerve is serious. The intent of the surgery is to take the pressure off of the nerve to determine if it makes a difference in the quality of life for the patient. This is considered to be a type of decompression. Once surgery has been completed, many doctors will then prescribe physical therapy for their patients until a full recovery has been established.
Conclusion
In conclusion, ulnar nerve damage can be quite a burden. There are many challenges that must be faced when this occurs. If you have recently been told by a medical doctor that you have this condition, it is important that you learn as much as you possibly can about the condition. Once you have a clear understanding of the condition, you can then determine which of the common treatments for ulnar nerve dysfunction is most appropriate for your unique case.
