Understanding Nerve Entrapment: Symptoms, Causes, and Treatment
Nerve entrapment can affect anyone, but it is more common in people who participate in activities that require repetitive motions, such as athletes, manual laborers, and those who type for extended periods of time. If you experience symptoms of nerve entrapment, our board-certified podiatrists at Foot & Ankle Centers of Frisco, Little Elm, & McKinney in Frisco, Little Elm, and McKinney, Texas, can determine the most effective treatment for you. Our expert podiatry team offers advanced diagnostics and same-day appointments for urgent foot and ankle problems.
Uncovering the Causes of Nerve Entrapment
Nerve entrapment occurs when a nerve is compressed, stretched, or irritated by surrounding tissue.
Typicallythe arm or leg becomes compressed or irritated due to surrounding tissue or structures.
Nerve entrapment is caused by compression of a nerve, most often due to repetitive motions or the presence of a tumor, cyst, scar tissue, or other types of tissue abnormality.
It can also be caused by direct trauma to the nerve, such as a sports injury or a car accident. In some cases, nerve entrapment can be caused by structural issues in the body, such as an abnormally narrow tunnel for a nerve to pass through.
Reduce Nerve Entrapment Pain: Identify the Symptoms
Nerve entrapment symptoms can vary depending on the location of the entrapment. Common symptoms include:
- Tingling
- Numbness
- Burning
- Radiating pain
- Muscle weakness in the affected area
- Muscle cramps
- Loss of sensation
- Impaired coordination
In extreme cases, untreated nerve entrapment can lead to permanent nerve damage and disability. At Foot & Ankle Centers of Frisco, Little Elm, & McKinney, we offer same-day appointments for urgent problems like fractures and sprained ankles.
Diagnosing the Source and Treating Nerve Entrapment
Nerve entrapment is typically diagnosed through a physical examination and medical history. During the physical examination, the doctor will examine the affected area and ask questions about the symptoms, such as when they started, how long they last, and how intense they are.
Depending on the findings, the doctor may order imaging tests and nerve conduction studies. Imaging tests, such as an X-ray, MRI, or ultrasound, can help the doctor look for signs of structural problems, such as a herniated disc or bone spur. Nerve conduction studies measure the electrical activity of the nerves and can help diagnose nerve entrapment.
Nerve entrapment treatment plans can vary depending on the severity of the condition and the underlying cause. Generally speaking, initial treatments may include rest, physical therapy, anti-inflammatory medications, and nerve gliding exercises to help reduce nerve compression. In most cases, your treatment plan will include a mixture of these treatments:
- Physical therapy
- Anti-Inflammatory medications
- Steroid injections
- Orthotics to support the foot
When the nerve entrapment does not respond to these methods, then nerve decompression surgery is the next step.
Nerve Decompression Surgery
Nerve decompression is a surgical procedure that can be used to treat nerve entrapment of the foot and ankle. One of our podiatric surgeons typically performs this procedure and involves dividing the tissue impinging on the nerve to relieve the pressure.
It can also involve removing any scar tissue or abnormal tissue that has formed around the nerve due to the entrapment. The goal of the procedure is to restore the normal functioning of the nerve so that it can provide sensation and movement to the affected area. Nerve decompression is a safe and effective way to alleviate the pain and other symptoms associated with nerve entrapment of the foot and ankle when conservative treatments have not worked.
Our board-certified podiatrists at Foot & Ankle Centers of Frisco, Little Elm, & McKinney have extensive experience providing both conservative and surgical treatment for nerve entrapment. Our podiatrists will diagnose the exact cause of your condition and develop a treatment plan to bring you pain relief.