Compressive Neuropathies

What are compressive neuropathies?

Compressive neuropathies (entrapment neuropathies) are neurological conditions stemming from the compression of a nerve and often nerve damage, causing pain and other unpleasant symptoms in your hands or feet.

While at-home treatments offer some relief, medical intervention is often the best way to completely eliminate your symptoms. See the experts at the Woodlands Center for Special Surgery for long-lasting relief. 

What are examples of compressive neuropathies?

Examples of compressive neuropathies commonly treated at the Woodlands Center for Special Surgery include:

Carpal tunnel syndrome

Carpal tunnel syndrome results from a compressed median nerve in your wrist. It can cause weakness, numbness, tingling, pain, and difficulty grasping objects.

Cubital tunnel syndrome

Cubital tunnel syndrome results from a compressed ulnar nerve in your elbow, causing numbness, tingling, and pain in your hands or fingers, especially the little and ring fingers.

Guyon’s canal syndrome

Individuals with Guyon’s canal syndrome have a compressed ulnar nerve in their wrist, causing weakness, numbness, or pain in the hands and fingers.

Sciatica

Sciatica causes pain, tingling, and radiating discomfort caused by compression of the sciatic nerve running down your lower back, hips, and each leg.

Tarsal tunnel syndrome

Tarsal tunnel syndrome involves compression or damage to the tibial nerve in your ankle, causing pain in the affected ankle or foot. 

What are the symptoms of compressive neuropathies?

Compressive neuropathies may cause the following symptoms:

• Swelling
• Pain
• Tingling
• Numbness
• Reduced ability to grasp objects
• Weakness
• Loss of muscle in the affected area

These symptoms typically develop gradually, worsening with activities that pull or press on the affected nerve.

What are the risk factors for compressive neuropathies?

Common risk factors for compressive neuropathies include:

• Arthritis
• Trauma
• Accidents
• Sprains
• Broken bones
• Bone spurs
• Joint dislocation
• Diabetes
• Hypothyroidism
• Cysts
• Tumors
• Repetitive movements
• Playing sports
• Physically demanding job
• Herniated disc
• Spinal stenosis

See the experts at the Woodlands Center for Special Surgery at the first sign of a problem to avoid worsening symptoms.

How are compressive neuropathies diagnosed?

The Woodlands Center for Special Surgery team reviews your medical history, discusses your symptoms, and examines painful tissues. You might need nerve testing, blood tests, an MRI, an ultrasound, X-rays, or other imaging procedures. 

How are compressive neuropathies treated?

Treatment for compressive neuropathies may include:

• Steroid injections
• Anti-inflammatory medications
• Physical therapy
• Occupational therapy
• Braces, splints, or orthotics
• Surgery

Surgery can open a nerve tunnel, repair or relocate nerves, or remove tumors. Take frequent breaks from repetitive motions, stretch your limbs regularly, and wear a splint or brace to prevent further problems. 

Schedule a compressive neuropathies evaluation at the Woodlands Center for Special Surgery by phone or request one online today.