What is Nerve Pain?
Nerve pain is different from muscle or joint pain. It often feels like burning, tingling, numbness, or electric shocks. This happens when a nerve is irritated, compressed, or inflamed.
Two of the most common nerve-related conditions in the upper limb are: Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (wrist) and Cubital Tunnel Syndrome (elbow)
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (CTS)
Carpal tunnel syndrome occurs when the median nerve gets compressed at the wrist.
Common Symptoms
Pain or tingling in the thumb, index, and middle fingers Numbness, especially at night Weak grip strength Dropping objects frequently
Common Causes
Repetitive hand use (typing, phone use) Wrist positioning (prolonged flexion) Diabetes or hormonal changes Inflammation in the wrist structures
Cubital Tunnel Syndrome
Cubital tunnel syndrome occurs when the ulnar nerve gets compressed at the elbow.
Common Symptoms
Tingling in the ring and little finger Pain along the inner elbow Weakness in hand grip Difficulty with fine motor tasks
Common Causes
Prolonged elbow bending Leaning on elbows Repetitive elbow movements Previous trauma
