What Is Compressive Neuropathy?

Pressure on the peripheral nerves can cause compression neuropathy. The common symptoms include pain, weakness, and numbness. The most common type is carpal tunnel syndrome. Compression of the anterior interosseous, posterior interosseous, radial, and ulnar nerves also occurs. 

Definition of Compressive Neuropathy

This nerve condition results from a compacted or squeezed nerve. It usually occurs at a single location. It may affect nerves in the extremities, limbs, and torso. Repetitive injuries often cause this condition. As well, conditions like hypothyroidism, diabetes, and rheumatoid arthritis can play a role. Other names for this nerve disorder include:

• Nerve compression syndrome.
• Trapped nerve.
• Nerve entrapment syndrome.
• Entrapment neuropathy.

Common Types

There are several types of compression neuropathy, each affecting a different peripheral nerve. The most common include:

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

This condition occurs when something compresses the wrist’s median nerve. It is the most prevalent type of entrapment neuropathy. The median nerve extends from your upper arm to your thumb. It passes through the carpal tunnel at the wrist. Extreme pressure on your wrist may cause swelling, leading to carpal tunnel syndrome. 

Cubital Tunnel Syndrome

Other names for this condition are ulnar nerve entrapment or ulnar neuropathy at the elbow. It is the second-most common form of compressive neuropathy. It results from the compression of the ulnar nerve at the elbow. This nerve is responsible for the sensation you experience when you hit your funny bone. Excess pressure on the elbow may cause swelling, leading to cubital tunnel syndrome. 

Other Types

Nerve entrapment syndrome is more likely to occur in areas where nerves pass through tunnel-like structures. There are several rarer types of nerve entrapment syndrome. These include suprascapular nerve compression syndrome, Guyon’s canal syndrome, and meralgia paresthetica.

Causes of Nerve Entrapment Syndrome

The most common cause of this nerve condition is repetitive injuries. The injuries may occur due to repetitive movements related to your job. For example, overexerting your wrist while typing on a keyboard can cause carpal tunnel syndrome. 

Accidents such as broken bones, fractures, and sprains can cause entrapment neuropathy. The following conditions can make you more susceptible or trigger nerve compression syndrome:

• Neural disorders.
• Thyroid dysfunction.
• Diabetes.
• Tumors and cysts.
• Autoimmune disorders.
• High blood pressure.
• Obesity.
• Menopause or pregnancy.
• Congenital issues.

Medical conditions, accidents, and repetitive injuries may cause reduced blood flow to the nerve. They can also damage the nerve’s insulation or cause structural changes in the nerve. These changes can impact the nerve’s ability to send and receive messages. That can cause symptoms like reduced function, pain, and numbness. 

Symptoms

Your symptoms will vary depending on the type of entrapment neuropathy and location. Symptoms usually occur at the compression site. They can also occur in the surrounding structures and areas. The most common symptoms include swelling, redness, inflammation, and pain. Others are tingling, numbness, reduced flexibility, and muscle weakness. 

Conclusion

The outlook for this nerve condition varies. In severe cases, it can lead to permanent loss of function or nerve damage in the affected area. Schedule an appointment with your doctor if you experience the abovementioned symptoms. Early diagnosis and treatment can lead to significant improvements or full recovery.

For more about compressive neuropathy, visit Clark Plastic & Hand Surgery at our McKinney, Texas, office. Call 469-675-3659 to schedule an appointment today.