Without the normal functioning of the limbs, it is very difficult for a person to exist. And because the diseases that make it difficult for the hands to work, it is very difficult to bear, first of all, morally. Compression-ischemic neuropathy of the ulnar nerve is a disease that is characterized by problems in work and a deterioration in the sensitivity of the hand as a result of ulnar nerve damage. In this case, neuropathy of the nerves on both hands is very unlikely. Usually, there is a neuropathy of the left ulnar nerve or the right one.
Symptoms of neuropathy of the ulnar nerve
It is very sad that tunnel neuropathies account for one third of the total number of diseases of the peripheral nervous system. Early symptoms of tunneling neuropathy of the ulnar nerve are manifested by tingling in the little finger and pain in the elbow area.
The subsequent lesion of the ulnar nerve has the following consequences:
1. With complete defeat of the nerve:
- deterioration or complete loss of skin sensitivity of the entire little finger and half of the ring finger;
- paralysis of flexor muscles and adductor muscles of the thumb.
2. In case of incomplete defeat:
- deterioration of the work and weakness of the muscles of the hand;
- reduction in the amount of muscle between the thumb and forefinger;
- tingling sensation on the palm (on the inside);
- numbness of the skin of the little finger and half of the ring finger;
- tenderness of the ulnar nerve.
The causes of neuropathy of the ulnar nerve
This disease occurs in people who often rest on their elbows for a long time, especially on a hard surface. For example, people working behind the machine, at the desk, and even those that rely on the armrests of the seats.
Treatment of neuropathy of the ulnar nerve
Treatment of this disease can be conducted in two ways:
- conservative;
- operative.
The first method is used only at the initial stages of neuropathy and consists in the following:
- Reducing the burden on the hand - you should not allow monotonous
prolonged movements and prolonged flexion of the arm at the elbow. - Admission of non-steroidal drugs that have an anti-inflammatory effect.
- Reception of glucocorticoids (only when the nerve is trapped in Guyon's canal).
Operative treatment is the only way out, if the conservative does not contribute to recovery. In this case, the structures that squeeze the nerve are removed, and the nerve itself can be transferred to the inner side of the hand. After the operation, you need to take anti-inflammatory drugs and pain medications.