09 Feb What is Compression Neuropathy?

Nerves branch out from the spine, carrying out specific jobs, such as transmitting sensations to your spinal cord and brain. Along the way, they can become compressed and cause pain and other symptoms.

In this blog, orthopedic physicians Dr. Ather Mirza and Dr. Justin Mirza of Mirza Orthopedics explain exactly what compression neuropathy is and what you need to know about it.

What is compression neuropathy?

Peripheral nerves connect the nerves from your brain and spinal cord to the rest of your body, including your arms, hands, feet, and legs. They deliver signals about physical sensations in your body back to your brain.

If there’s pressure on these nerves, it can cause a condition called compression neuropathy in the areas that the nerve supplies.

What are its symptoms?

Symptoms can affect not only the site of the compressed nerve but also areas away from the site that are affected by the same nerve. As a result, you may experience any of the following at the compression site or away from it:

• Numbness
• Weakness
• Pain (often described as sharp, burning, or stabbing)
• Tingling
• Reduced function and range of motion

Where does compression neuropathy commonly occur?

It can occur in many different places in your body, including the following:

• Wrist – causing carpal tunnel syndrome
• Elbow – causing cubital tunnel syndrome
• Knee, hip, or ankle – causing peroneal neuropathy
• Feet or toes – causing tarsal tunnel syndrome

What causes it?

Compressed neuropathy can be caused by irritation or injury to the nerve, and the resulting pressure reduces blood flow to that nerve.

Compression can occur because of the following:

• Repetitive motions
• Sprains
• Arthritis
• Scar tissue after surgery

In addition, although diabetes doesn’t directly cause compression neuropathy, the disease makes it more likely to occur.

How is it treated?

The following may be used to treat compression neuropathy:

• Steroid injections – can help reduce inflammation in places where it doesn’t risk damage to the nerve
• Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) – can help reduce swelling around the nerve
• Steroid shots – to reduce inflammation but generally not used around the ulnar nerve, which travels from your neck into your hand
• Bracing or splinting
• Icing
• Physical therapy
• Electrotherapy treatments – can help interrupt or block pain signals

In some cases, if conservative therapies aren’t effective enough, surgery may be recommended.

Why Mirza Orthopedics?

Our experienced orthopedic physicians are dedicated to conducting research and developing proprietary medical devices that will help our patients get back to their active lifestyles. We’ll conduct a thorough medical examination and talk to you about your medical history and symptoms. Based on the information we gather, we’ll work with you to develop the most effective treatment plan for your particular issue.

If you’re experiencing sharp, burning pain in or near a joint, make an appointment today with Mirza Orthopedics. Our experienced orthopedic physicians will accurately diagnose the source of your pain and recommend the least invasive treatments that will help you get pain relief and regain your range of motion