Spotting the Warning Signs of Nerve Damage

Nerve damage is commonly thought of as a complication of diabetes, but it can also result after an injury. Nerve damage is also known as peripheral neuropathy. The nerves that are most likely to be damaged tend to be in your arms, feet, and hands, although other parts of the body may also be affected.

When you’re injured or have surgery, the nerves no longer get the signal from your brain to transmit sensation. Sometimes, nerves that are only partially damaged can heal themselves. Dr. Jonathan Shults at Coastal Empire Orthopedics offers this guide to help you recognize the warning signs of nerve damage and the next steps you should take. 

How nerve damage happens

Nerve damage can occur after any injury, with the results often being related to the severity of the injury. Minor injuries may cause some nerve damage, but your body tries to heal itself whenever possible. However, more serious injuries can cause severe nerve damage which often requires nerve repairs. 

Nerves are made up of fibers, which are also called axons. These fibers are covered with tissues that act as a type of insulation. Sometimes, after an injury, only the fibers are damaged. In the more serious scenarios, both the fibers and tissues are damaged. In some cases, the nerve is completely cut.

The signs of nerve damage

Without properly functioning nerves, you are likely to experience uncomfortable or even painful sensations. These occur because the nerves are not able to carry the correct signals from the brain to the spinal cord. The signs of nerve damage include the following:

• 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

Nerve damage tends to be worse in the part of the body that was injured. For example, if you injured your arm or shoulder, you may have more symptoms in your arms and hands than in your feet.

Repairing nerve damage 

Damaged nerves can sometimes be repaired, especially if they are treated quickly after an injury. For that reason, it’s important to call us after a serious injury or when you first notice the signs of nerve damage. This is a situation in which you don’t want to wait too long because sometimes nerves reach a point of being irreparable. 

Dr. Shults can repair nerves, whether or not you’ve caught the symptoms early enough. He explores the damaged nerve(s) and removes any injured tissues. Then, he can often reconnect even severed nerves, as long as there’s enough of the nerves left to reattach without making it too tight.

Once the nerve has been repaired, you can generally expect sensation to come back gradually over a period of a couple of months. Your nerves have an ability to heal and regenerate even once they have been damaged, assuming that they have been properly repaired.

If you suspect you have nerve damage, it’s important to come see us right away. Treatment is available and nerve damage isn’t something you have to learn to accept. Call our Savannah office at 912-225-4888 or request an appointment online.