Nerve Injury in Chicago, IL
A nerve injury can be devastating for hand function and quality of life. Peripheral nerve surgery of the hand can be an effective solution for patients experiencing symptoms such as pain, weakness, and limited hand movement. This procedure is designed to correct the root cause of these problems, offering hope for an improved outcome and a fresh start.
Fellowship-trained plastic and reconstructive surgeon Dr. Lindsay E. Janes understands the challenges of peripheral nerve injury. She believes that our patients deserve to reclaim their lives with full hand strength and function. Dr. Janes offers advanced solutions to correct the root cause of the problem, including revision peripheral nerve surgery in highly complex cases.
Problems a Peripheral Nerve Injury Can Cause
Peripheral nerve surgery treats damage from injuries, compression, tumors, or other medical conditions. Nerves control movement, sensation, and coordination, especially in your hands and arms. When they stop working properly, surgery can restore function and improve your daily life.
You might need peripheral nerve surgery if you experience:
- Persistent Pain: If nerve-related pain doesn’t improve with rest, medication, or therapy, surgical intervention may help. Or, you could need revision peripheral nerve surgery if a prior procedure didn’t provide adequate relief.
- Hand or Arm Weakness: You may struggle with everyday tasks like gripping a pen, carrying a bag, or turning a doorknob if your nerves don’t function correctly.
- Numbness or Tingling: These sensations often mean nerves are compressed or injured. Conditions like carpal tunnel syndrome commonly cause this issue.
- Limited Movement: A reduced ability to move your hand or fingers may signal nerve damage that surgery can relieve.
- Unusual Sensations: Burning, shocking, or “electric” feelings in your hand could point to nerve problems that need surgical attention.
- Traumatic Injury: If you cut or crush a nerve during an accident, immediate surgical repair can help restore function.
What Happens During Peripheral Nerve Surgery
Dr. Janes starts with a detailed evaluation to pinpoint the problem. She examines your hand or arm, uses advanced imaging, and orders nerve and muscle testing when needed.
After identifying the cause, she creates a customized surgical plan. Depending on your condition, Dr. Janes may:
- Release pressure on a nerve (nerve decompression)
- Repair a damaged nerve using healthy donor tissue (nerve graft)
- Remove scar tissue that blocks nerve signals (neurolysis)
- Redirect a healthy nerve to restore lost function (nerve transfer)
Each procedure targets your specific symptoms and aims to restore movement, strength, and sensation.
What You Can Gain from Peripheral Nerve Surgery
Peripheral nerve surgery helps you:
- Get relief from chronic pain
- Regain strength in your hand or arm
- Recover lost movement
- Restore sensation
- Avoid further nerve damage
Dr. Janes walks you through every step of the process. She also builds a recovery plan that includes physical therapy and pain management to help you heal and regain control.
Schedule a Peripheral Nerve Surgery Consultation
If you still struggle with nerve-related symptoms, Dr. Janes can help. She brings advanced surgical skill and experience to every case and focuses on helping you move, feel, and live better. Call (312) 695-6022 to schedule your consultation.