Peripheral Neuropathy of the Upper Extremity

Peripheral neuropathy occurs when the nerves outside of the brain and spinal cord become damaged or irritated. In the upper extremity, this can lead to numbness, tingling, burning sensations, or weakness in the hands, arms, or shoulders. At Iowa Ortho, our hand and upper extremity specialists diagnose and treat peripheral neuropathy of the upper extremity to help patients restore comfort and function.

What is peripheral neuropathy of the upper extremity?

Peripheral nerves carry signals from the brain and spinal cord to the rest of the body. When these nerves in the arms or hands are damaged, communication between the nervous system and muscles is disrupted. This can result in pain, weakness, or sensory changes that make everyday activities difficult.

Causes & risk factors

Peripheral neuropathy in the upper extremities may be caused by:

• Repetitive use injuries, such as carpal tunnel syndrome or cubital tunnel syndrome
• Diabetes and other metabolic conditions
• Trauma or injury to the arm, shoulder, or neck
• Arthritis and other joint conditions affecting the surrounding nerves
• Nerve compression from herniated discs or spinal stenosis
• Autoimmune or inflammatory conditions

Symptoms of upper extremity peripheral neuropathy

Patients often report:

• Numbness or tingling in the hands, fingers, or arms
• Burning or stabbing pain
• Muscle weakness or loss of grip strength
• Sensitivity to touch or temperature changes
• Difficulty performing fine motor tasks (e.g., buttoning clothing)

Diagnosis at Iowa Ortho

Accurate diagnosis is key to effective treatment. Our specialists may recommend:

• Physical examination and medical history review
• Electrodiagnostic studies (EMG/NCS) to measure nerve function
• Imaging tests, such as X-rays or MRI, are used to detect compression or injury

Treatment options for peripheral neuropathy

Non-surgical treatments

• Activity modification and splinting to relieve nerve pressure
• Medications for nerve pain and inflammation
• Physical or occupational therapy to improve strength and mobility
• Injections to reduce swelling and irritation around affected nerves

Surgical treatments

If conservative care does not relieve symptoms, surgical options may be considered, such as:

• Nerve decompression (e.g., carpal tunnel release, cubital tunnel release)
• Repair or grafting for severely damaged nerves
• Surgical stabilization in cases of trauma or structural causes

Why choose Iowa Ortho?

• Fellowship-trained plastic and orthopedic surgeons specializing in upper extremity and nerve conditions
• Comprehensive diagnostic tools, including on-site electrodiagnostic testing
• Collaborative care with neurology and rehabilitation specialists
• Personalized treatment plans focused on restoring function and relieving pain

Take the first step toward relief

If numbness, tingling, or weakness in your hands or arms is interfering with your daily life, don’t wait.

Contact Iowa Ortho today by calling 515-247-8400 or scheduling an appointment online to have an evaluation with one of our specialists.