Ulnar Nerve Injury: Symptoms, Recovery Time, and Treatment Options

Is there a relationship between ulnar nerve and finger joint pain? What is the recovery period?

Hello, I was rear-ended between April 17 and April 18, and although I did not sustain major injuries, my dominant right hand suddenly became weak and I was unable to exert force.
I returned to the orthopedic department of the hospital twice; I was scheduled for regular follow-ups, but after the outbreak of the pandemic in May, I stopped going.
Later, I visited an orthopedic clinic for a brief examination, and they diagnosed me with ulnar nerve injury.
I found online that it typically takes about six months to heal, but now it has been almost five months.
During this time, I have undergone acupuncture and electrical therapy, which has helped alleviate the numbness; I no longer feel completely numb, but my strength has not returned to what it was before.

My sister, who is an intern until June 30, has been working as a building manager, which requires her to handle paperwork regularly.
After taking nearly two weeks off, around July 15 to July 16, she took on another project working from home, managing online tasks for about 4 to 6 hours a day, not exceeding 20 hours a week.
As of today, she started working on August 23 (Monday) and has taken a part-time job at a restaurant for two days.
She has had to lift some heavy items, but today she began experiencing pain in her hand and finger joints.
I am unsure if this is related to the ulnar nerve injury.

Additionally, I have been experiencing wrist pain, occasional weakness in my little and ring fingers, and intermittent numbness on the side of my palm near the little finger and the ulnar side of my wrist.
Because of this, I still do not feel comfortable riding a motorcycle.
Given these symptoms, I wonder if they are all caused by the ulnar nerve or if there could be other underlying issues.

Could you please advise whether I should see a neurologist or another specialist? Also, are there any methods to improve my condition? I genuinely want to recover quickly and not be a burden to others.

Gu, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2021/08/24

Dr. Jiang Junyi reply Neurology

Dear Miss Gu,
Your symptoms suggest the possibility of peripheral nerve injury.
Common causes of peripheral nerve injury include acute direct trauma such as nerve traction, tearing, and direct compression.
Chronic issues may arise from prolonged fixed positions, repetitive motions over time, or excessive training, all of which can lead to peripheral nerve compression.
It is recommended that you consult a neurologist for nerve conduction studies to monitor the status of nerve repair.
Please ensure to practice self-protection measures, maintain cleanliness and disinfection, and adhere to new pandemic prevention guidelines before and after your medical visit.
Thank you for your inquiry, and feel free to discuss any related questions further!
Wishing you good health and peace,
Dr.
Jiang Junyi, Department of Neurology, Taoyuan Medical Center

Reply Date: 2021/08/24

More Info

Ulnar nerve injury can be a challenging condition to manage, especially when it affects your dominant hand. The ulnar nerve runs from the neck down to the hand and is responsible for the sensation and movement of the ring and little fingers. When injured, it can lead to symptoms such as weakness, numbness, and pain in the affected hand.
Based on your description, it seems that you experienced a traumatic event that likely caused some degree of ulnar nerve injury. The recovery time for ulnar nerve injuries can vary significantly depending on the severity of the injury. Generally, mild injuries may heal within a few weeks to a few months, while more severe injuries may take longer, sometimes up to six months or more. Since you mentioned that you have been experiencing symptoms for nearly five months, it is essential to continue monitoring your condition closely.

You mentioned that you have undergone acupuncture and electrical stimulation therapy, which are common treatments for nerve injuries. These therapies can help alleviate pain and promote healing by improving blood flow and reducing inflammation. However, it is crucial to combine these treatments with a comprehensive rehabilitation program that includes physical therapy. A physical therapist can provide you with specific exercises to strengthen the muscles in your hand and improve your range of motion. This is particularly important to prevent muscle atrophy and maintain function in your hand.

The symptoms you are experiencing, such as pain in the wrist and fingers, as well as occasional weakness in the little and ring fingers, could indeed be related to the ulnar nerve injury. However, it is also possible that other factors, such as repetitive strain or overuse from your work, could be contributing to your discomfort. It is essential to listen to your body and avoid activities that exacerbate your symptoms.

Given the complexity of your symptoms, it would be advisable to consult a neurologist or a hand specialist. These specialists can perform a thorough evaluation, which may include nerve conduction studies or electromyography (EMG) to assess the function of the ulnar nerve and determine the extent of the injury. They can also help rule out other potential causes of your symptoms, such as carpal tunnel syndrome or other nerve entrapments.

In terms of treatment options, if conservative measures do not lead to improvement, surgical intervention may be considered. Surgery can involve decompression of the ulnar nerve or repair of any nerve damage. However, this decision should be made in consultation with a specialist based on your specific condition and response to conservative treatments.

To improve your recovery, consider the following recommendations:
1. Continue Physical Therapy: Engage in a structured rehabilitation program to strengthen your hand and improve function.

2. Avoid Overuse: Be mindful of your activities, especially those that require repetitive hand movements or heavy lifting.

3. Pain Management: Discuss pain management options with your healthcare provider, which may include medications or alternative therapies.

4. Regular Follow-ups: Keep regular appointments with your healthcare provider to monitor your progress and adjust your treatment plan as needed.

In conclusion, while recovery from ulnar nerve injury can take time, with appropriate treatment and care, many individuals experience significant improvement. It is essential to stay proactive about your health and seek specialized care to ensure the best possible outcome.

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