Loss of Grip Strength: Causes and Treatment
By Dr. Vishal Sahni – Shoulder, Elbow & Wrist Specialist, London Orthopaedic Clinic, Nagpur
Are you finding it difficult to open jars, hold a cup of tea, or carry groceries? Have your hands suddenly started feeling weak, or are you dropping things more often? If yes, you may be experiencing loss of grip strength — a condition that can affect your everyday activities and quality of life.
Dr. Vishal Sahni, one of the leading orthopedic surgeons in Nagpur, specialises in shoulder, elbow, and wrist treatments. At the London Orthopaedic Clinic, Dhantoli, Nagpur, we provide accurate diagnosis and advanced treatment options to restore your grip and function effectively.
In this article, we will explore the various causes, symptoms, diagnosis, and available treatments for loss of grip strength, specifically focusing on the wrist, elbow, and shoulder — the core regions responsible for hand function.
What is Grip Strength?
Grip strength refers to the ability of your hand muscles and forearm to exert force and hold or manipulate objects. It involves coordination between bones, joints, tendons, ligaments, muscles, and nerves across your hand, wrist, forearm, elbow, and even shoulder.
Losing grip strength is not just about weak hands — it can be a sign of an underlying orthopedic or neurological condition. This is why timely medical evaluation from a specialist is essential.
Common Causes of Loss of Grip Strength
Let’s look at the primary causes in detail:
1. Tendon and Ligament Injuries
Tendons connect muscles to bones, and ligaments provide joint stability. Any injury or strain to these soft tissues — especially in the wrist or elbow — can lead to reduced grip strength. Conditions like:
- Wrist tendonitis
- Lateral epicondylitis (Tennis elbow)
- Medial epicondylitis (Golfer’s elbow)
These conditions are commonly seen in people who do repetitive hand movements, athletes, or office workers who use a mouse or keyboard excessively.
2. Nerve Compression or Damage
Nerves control the muscles responsible for grip. Compression or injury to nerves in the wrist (such as Carpal Tunnel Syndrome) or elbow (Cubital Tunnel Syndrome) can weaken your grip.
You may also feel tingling, numbness, or a burning sensation in the fingers or forearm.
In more severe cases, Cervical Radiculopathy — a nerve root compression in the neck — can also reduce grip strength due to the disruption of signals traveling from the brain to the hand.
3. Arthritis and Joint Degeneration
Conditions like Osteoarthritis, Rheumatoid Arthritis, or post-traumatic arthritis can cause joint stiffness, swelling, and pain, leading to limited hand movement and poor grip. This is especially common in older adults and those with a history of joint injuries.
Over time, arthritis can lead to joint deformities in the fingers, wrist, or elbow — further weakening the ability to grasp.
4. Rotator Cuff and Shoulder Issues
You may wonder — how does the shoulder impact hand grip?
The shoulder stabilises the entire upper limb. Any problem in the rotator cuff, shoulder dislocation, or frozen shoulder can restrict arm movement and indirectly affect your ability to generate force in your hand.
Patients with shoulder tendon tears often complain of hand weakness because they are unable to position the hand effectively.
5. Fractures or Dislocations
A previous fracture in the wrist, forearm, elbow, or hand, even if healed, can affect surrounding muscle balance, tendon movement, and nerve function. Improper healing can reduce hand efficiency and grip power.
6. Muscle Wasting or Atrophy
If the muscles of the forearm and hand are not used regularly or are impacted by a neurological condition, they can shrink (atrophy), resulting in grip weakness. This is often seen in:
- Stroke patients
- Those with motor neuron diseases
- Or after prolonged arm immobilisation
7. Medical Conditions Impacting Grip Strength
Several underlying systemic conditions can also lead to weak grip:
- Diabetes mellitus (due to peripheral neuropathy)
- Thyroid disorders
- Parkinson’s disease
- Multiple sclerosis
These conditions affect muscle function and nerve signals, making it difficult to hold or lift objects.
Signs and Symptoms to Watch Out For
You may experience:
- Inability to hold objects tightly
- Difficulty opening bottles, doors, or jars
- Frequent dropping of items
- Pain, tingling, or numbness in the fingers or wrist
- Visible thinning of hand muscles
- Weakness when squeezing or pinching
If any of these symptoms persist for more than a few days, it is advisable to consult an Orthopedic Doctor in Nagpur like Dr. Vishal Sahni for a detailed evaluation.
How is Grip Strength Diagnosed?
1. Clinical Examination
Dr. Vishal Sahni performs a detailed physical examination, checking:
- Muscle power in the hand, wrist, elbow, and shoulder
- Range of motion
- Tendon reflexes
- Nerve function and sensation
2. Grip Dynamometer Test
This device measures actual grip force and compares it to normal values. It is useful to track treatment progress over time.
3. Imaging Tests
Depending on suspected causes, the following tests may be advised:
- X-rays to detect fractures or joint degeneration
- MRI or Ultrasound to identify tendon tears or soft tissue injuries
- Nerve conduction studies to examine nerve function
Treatment Options for Grip Strength Recovery
The treatment depends on the underlying cause, and most cases respond well to early and targeted therapy. At London Orthopaedic Clinic, Nagpur, we follow a step-by-step treatment approach:
1. Non-Surgical Treatment
a. Rest and Immobilisation
If grip loss is due to overuse or acute strain, rest and splinting may help tissues recover.
b. Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation
Customised physiotherapy plays a major role in regaining strength. It includes:
- Stretching and strengthening exercises for wrist and forearm
- Nerve gliding exercises
- Resistance band training
- Joint mobilisation for shoulder and elbow
Dr. Sahni’s clinic offers advanced rehab techniques tailored for wrist and elbow conditions.
c. Medications
Pain relief and anti-inflammatory medications may be prescribed to manage discomfort and swelling. In some cases, corticosteroid injections are used around the affected tendon or joint.
d. Ergonomic Corrections
Lifestyle and work modifications are suggested to reduce repetitive strain — especially for IT professionals, homemakers, athletes, and students.
2. Surgical Treatment
If conservative treatment does not bring improvement or the condition is severe, surgery may be necessary.
Some common surgical interventions include:
- Carpal Tunnel Release
- Ulnar Nerve Decompression
- Tendon Repair or Transfer Surgery
- Rotator Cuff Repair
- Arthroscopic Shoulder or Elbow Surgery
Dr. Vishal Sahni specialises in minimally invasive and robotic-assisted shoulder and wrist surgeries that promote faster recovery with less pain and scarring.
Recovery and Prognosis
With accurate diagnosis and timely treatment, most patients regain grip strength and function within a few weeks to months.
The duration of recovery depends on:
- Severity of underlying cause
- Your age and general health
- Whether nerves or tendons were affected
- Adherence to rehab protocol
At London Orthopaedic Clinic Nagpur, we monitor your grip strength progress regularly and modify your therapy plan for best outcomes.
When to See a Shoulder, Elbow or Wrist Specialist in Nagpur
You should consult Dr. Vishal Sahni if:
- Grip weakness lasts for more than a few days
- You feel numbness or tingling in fingers or hand
- Pain is affecting your daily work or sleep
- There’s a visible deformity or muscle wasting
- Your grip is weaker in one hand than the other
Early evaluation can prevent complications and help you avoid permanent damage.
Final Thoughts
Loss of grip strength is not just a minor inconvenience — it could be the sign of a deeper issue involving your shoulder, elbow, or wrist. Timely diagnosis and expert treatment can make a big difference.
Dr. Vishal Sahni, a renowned shoulder specialist in Nagpur, offers comprehensive, compassionate care with advanced diagnostic tools and evidence-based treatments. Whether your condition needs physiotherapy or surgery, his team ensures you regain confidence, function, and strength.