Nerve Pain in Hands, Wrists and Elbows

Nerve Pain Specialist in Bellevue and Kirkland, WA

As a dedicated nerve pain specialist, Dr. Samuel Galle is an orthopedic surgeon who specializes in diagnosing and treating nerve pain stemming from the hands, wrists and elbows. Repetitive motions, prolonged use of vibrating tools, poor posture, or even certain health conditions like diabetes can also contribute to nerve pain. Consulting an experienced nerve pain specialist early can prevent further permanent nerve damage and muscle wasting.

Understanding Upper Extremity Nerve Pain

The most well-known nerve issue of the upper extremity is carpal tunnel syndrome, but an upper extremity nerve pain specialist evaluates many more possible nerve compression sites all the way from the neck to the fingers. Entrapment, friction, or inflammation along these neural pathways can cause sharp radiating pain, persistent numbness, burning sensations, or loss of motor control that impacts daily task performance.

Common Causes of Upper Extremity Nerve Pain

1. Carpal tunnel syndrome: Compression of the median nerve at the wrist which leads to thumb, index, middle and part of the ring finger numbness and tingling.
2. Cubital tunnel syndrome: Compression of the ulnar nerve at the elbow with numbness of the ring and small finger. 
3. Radial tunnel syndrome: compression of the posterior interosseous nerve which leads to pain in the forearm and wrist.
4. Wartenburg’s syndrome: compression of the superficial radial nerve which leads to numbness and tingling along the top part of the hand. 

Key Symptoms to Discuss With a Nerve Pain Specialist

1. Numbness, tingling, or a “pins and needles” sensation in the fingers or hand
2. Sharp or burning pain in the hand, wrist or elbow
3. Weakness, reduced grip strength, or difficulty gripping objects
4. Pain or numbness that worsens with movement or pressure

When to Seek Help For Nerve Pain

Early intervention can prevent further nerve damage. If you’re experiencing persistent nerve pain, numbness or tingling, or loss of function in your hand, wrist, or elbow, it’s important to consult a healthcare provider and nerve pain specialist like Dr. Samuel Galle. Delaying an evaluation for chronic nerve entrapment can lead to long-term loss of sensation or weakness in the hand.

Treatment For Nerve Pain in Hands, Wrists & Elbows

Treatments for nerve pain in your hands, wrists, or elbows may include rest, physical therapy, ergonomic adjustments, medications, custom night splinting, targeted corticosteroid injections, or in some cases, surgery. As an experienced upper extremity nerve pain specialist, Dr. Galle prioritizes non-surgical treatments whenever possible and utilizes minimally invasive surgical decompression, including wide-awake local anesthesia techniques (WALANT), when non-surgical options are insufficient or when structural pressure on the nerve must be relieved.

Make an Appointment with Dr. Galle

Make an appointment with nerve pain specialist Dr. Samuel Galle in Bellevue, WA or at our Kirkland clinic to diagnose and treat your nerve pain.