What happens if you cut a nerve in your thumb?
It’s possible for a laceration to the hand to injure a nerve. This type of injury can cause numbness, loss of feeling, and weakness in the hand, finger, or thumb. In some cases, a simple bruise or swelling around the nerve will cause numbness or tingling for a few days. After this, normal feeling and function return.
What nerve is the thumb innervated by?
It adducts the thumb, and assists in opposition and flexion. It is innervated by the deep branch of the ulnar nerve (C8-T1). The first dorsal interosseous, one of the central muscles of the hand, extends from the base of the thumb metacarpal to the radial side of the proximal phalanx of the index finger.
What nerve root goes to thumb?
In the hand, the median nerve supplies the thenar eminence — the muscles at the base of the thumb — with nerves. It also supplies nerves to the lumbrical muscles to the index and middle fingers. The median nerve provides sensation to the thumb side of the palm, the thumb, index, middle and half of the ring finger.
What happens if the median nerve is severed?
If the median nerve is damaged, an individual may present with the sign of benediction due to the lost ability to flex their thumb and first two digits. An individual may also experience ape hand due to the loss of thumb opposition.
Will nerve damage in thumb heal?
Occasionally, the nerve is bruised, and may heal on its own in time. However, if a nerve is cut or crushed, it may need surgical treatment in order to help improve or restore function to the hand or arm.
Do cut nerves grow back?
Damage to nerves may result in reduction or a complete loss of sensation, weakness and dry skin. When one of your nerves is cut or damaged, it will try to repair itself. The nerve fibres (axons) shrink back and ‘rest’ for about a month; then they begin to grow again. Axons will regenerate about 1mm per day.
What nerve Innervates the thumb and index finger?
The median nerve
The median nerve is also responsible for touch, pain and temperature sensations to the: Bottom (palm) side of the thumb, index and middle fingers, and part of the ring finger.
What fingers does the median nerve innervate?
The median nerve innervates the skin of the palmar (volar) side of the index finger, thumb, middle finger, and half the ring finger, and the nail bed.
How do you tell if a nerve is severed?
The signs of nerve damage
- Numbness or tingling in the hands and feet.
- Feeling like you’re wearing a tight glove or sock.
- Muscle weakness, especially in your arms or legs.
- Regularly dropping objects that you’re holding.
- Sharp pains in your hands, arms, legs, or feet.
- A buzzing sensation that feels like a mild electrical shock.
How do you treat nerve damage in your thumb?
Nerve injuries can be treated with painkillers, in order to relieve the discomfort that often occurs, as well as anti-inflammatory medications if the surrounding tissues are responsible for the problem. In more severe cases, steroid injections may help relieve pain and swelling as well.