Entrapment neuropathies can begin as a sensory or motor abnormality leading to a severely debilitating disease if not treated correctly. The most common entrapment neuropathies are: median nerve (pronator syndrome, carpal tunnel syndrome, anterior interosseous nerve syndrome), ulnar nerve (cubital tunnel syndrome), radial nerve (posterior interosseous nerve syndrome). Specific signs and symptoms will lead to a diagnosis. If you need any special tests (X-rays, EMG, MRI) these will be requested.
Treatment consists of conservative treatment and surgery.
Conservative treatment:
- Rest
- Activity modification
- Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs
- Splinting
- Occupational therapy.
Surgery will be considered if conservative treatment fails or if the problem is already severely debilitating (e.g. permanent sensory loss; loss of function or severe muscle atrophy (thinning).