Nerve entrapment syndromes are fairly common. Some nerves pass between bones and ligaments, or through different muscle layers. Overgrowth of the bones or muscles surrounding a nerve can compress the nerve, and movement can cause friction injuries to the nerve as the bones and/or muscles rub against it. If left untreated, nerve entrapment can lead to permanent nerve damage. Two common nerve entrapment syndromes are carpal and cubital tunnel syndromes.

Typical early symptoms of nerve entrapment include pain and tingling. Later, numbness, weakness, and muscle atrophy may occur. Eventually, reflex sympathetic dystrophy can result in skin changes and joint stiffness which may be permanent.

If you think you have a nerve entrapment syndrome, see your doctor. Treatment for nerve entrapment usually begins with pain medication as well as activity modification to decrease movement of the affected nerve. Injections of anesthetic and corticosteroid may provide significant relief. If the problem persists, or if a major motor nerve is involved, then surgical decompression of the nerve is usually recommended.