From complex nerve surgery to neurophysiology tests, we provide exceptional nerve injury services across our network of hospitals, outpatient centres and specialist clinics.
Nerve compression
Nerve entrapment or compression neuropathy. Nerve compression syndrome is a medical condition caused by direct pressure on a nerve.
About nerve compression
Nerve compression syndrome (trapped nerves) can cause pain and loss of nerve function. They are usually caused by chronic compression. Compressed nerves often happen in the arm, around the elbow (cubital tunnel syndrome) and the wrist (carpal tunnel syndrome). More rarely, they can occur in the lower limbs.
Need to know
Tingling, numbness, radiating pain and loss of limb function are common signs of nerve compression.
Symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome are tingling or numbness in the your fingers and weakness - you may start to drop objects. This is because the median nerve that travels from the arm to the hand becomes trapped in the central part of the wrist.
Symptoms of cubital tunnel syndrome are tingling, numbness, pain and weakness in the wrist, hand and fingers. Here, the ulnar nerve, which runs down the entire arm, becomes trapped at the elbow and cannot serve the hand properly.
Your consultant will discuss your symptoms with you and help to make a diagnosis. They'll ask whether you have any numbness or lack of function in your limbs. Based on this, they may order further tests.
Ultrasound scans and neurophysiology nerve conduction studies are an effective way to diagnose a trapped nerve.
Treatment varies, depending on the severity and cause of the nerve compression. Anti-inflammatory medicine may provide some pain relief from trapped nerves. Oral corticosteroids and steroid injections can help with pain too.
Carpal tunnel can be treated with release surgery. Here, the transverse carpal ligament is cut to release pressure on the median nerve and relieve pain.
Cubital tunnel syndrome can also be treated with surgery. At times, the trapped nerve is relocated from the cubital tunnel to sit just in front of it. This frees the trapped nerve and provides pain relief.
Cubital tunnel syndrome can also be treated with surgery. At times, the trapped nerve is relocated from the cubital tunnel to sit just in front of it. This frees the trapped nerve and provides pain relief.
Nerve compression tests & scans
Nerve conduction studies
Muscle and nerve biopsy
If you experience muscle or nerve problems, our neurophysiology experts can carry out a biopsy to diagnose your condition
Patient stories
Yvette's story: From back pain to hip replacement surgery
Yvette (54) a journalist from Kent, started experiencing pain in her hip seven years ago in 2015. An ex-national gymnast who had been incredibly active and flexible her whole life, Yvette felt concerned about the growing discomfort impacting her quality of life, and so sought help from her GP.
A new hip and straight back into the spin of things
David’s gym video shows him repeatedly pushing up to 100kg on a single leg press – not particularly unusual for this keen cyclist, former competitive squash player and all-round fitness enthusiast. What is unusual is that 52-year-old David had hip surgery just 12 weeks earlier.
Michael's MAKO hip surgery to treat his arthritis
73 year-old Michael, an avid walker and charity worker, was diagnosed with arthritis in January 2021. After facing long waiting times and increasing pain that was becoming more frequent, he started to look elsewhere for treatment.
This content is intended for general information only and does not replace the need for personal advice from a qualified health professional.