nerve entrapment

what is nerve entrapment?

when a peripheral nerve is compressed by surrounding tissues

this can cause symptoms like pain, tinging and numbness

what causes trapped nerves?

• chronic injury

• repetitive insult ‘rubbing’

• compression against sharp / tight edges

• systemic disorders ~ RA, pregnancy, hypothyroidism, diabetes, high BMI

risk factors

• local prior fracture 

• dislocation 

• bony spurs / OA

• myofascial tension

• prolonged activities that require repetitive movements 

presentation of nerve entrapment

• non-dermatomal signs

• or symptoms distal to entrapment

• loss of motor and / or sensory function

• impaired skin health

• anaesthesia or paraesthesia

• reduced neural mobility

treatment for nerve entrapment

• immobilisation of the nerve with a splint

• lifestyle adjustments ~ may resolve symptoms

• joint / muscle / STM

• neural floss ~ regain lost function

common entrapments

• carpal tunnel ~ median nerve 

• ulnar nerve neuropathy 

• radial nerve 

• anterior interosseous nerve ~ weakened pinch grip

• pronator teres syndrome ~ weakened pronation