Nerve Compression Syndromes
When one of the nerves in the arm is struck, compressed or irritated, the result is a “nerve compression syndrome” or “entrapment neuropathy.” The most common nerve compression syndromes are (in order of occurrence): carpal tunnel syndrome, cubital tunnel syndrome, and radial tunnel syndrome. Traditionally these syndromes were attributed to normal aging and often appeared later in life with other problems such as arthritis. However, recently more younger people are experiencing these syndromes as a result of work or play activities that require repetitive motion, including computer use, assembly-line work, tennis and other sports, and playing a musical instrument. Symptoms generally include pain, tingling or numbness in the arm, wrist or fingers. Over time, these symptoms can progress to extreme pain or an unusable arm or hand. Despite advances in conservative treatment, surgical decompression is typically the best option for permanent relief. Description: The median nerve runs from the forearm into the hand. The median nerve provides control and sensation to the palm side of the thumb and all fingers except the little finger. The carpal tunnel is a narrow, rigid passageway of ligament and bones at the base of the hand and houses the median nerve and tendons. Carpal tunnel syndrome occurs when the median nerve becomes pressed or squeezed at the wrist. Irritated tendons may swell, narrowing the tunnel and compressing the median nerve. Symptoms: Symptoms start gradually, with burning, tingling, or itching numbness in the palm of the hand and the thumb, index and middle fingers. Over time, grip strength decreases and may make it difficult to form a fist, grasp small objects, or perform other manual tasks. Untreated, the muscles at the base of the thumb may waste away, and patients may lose the ability to feel the difference between hot and cold. Causes: Carpal tunnel syndrome is often due to a congenital predisposition, i.e., the carpal tunnel is smaller in some people than in others. Other causes include trauma or injury to the wrist, an overactive pituitary gland, rheumatoid arthritis, work stress, repeated use of vibrating hand tools, fluid retention during pregnancy or menopause, or a cyst or tumor in the carpal tunnel. There is little clinical data to prove that repetitive hand motions during work or leisure activities cause carpal tunnel syndrome. Description: The ulnar nerve starts at neck, travels through the shoulder, down the arm and around the elbow, terminating in the hand. The ulnar nerve supplies feeling to the little finger Symptoms: The initial symptoms of cubital tunnel syndrome are an occasional tingling sensation along the ring and little fingers and discomfort along the inside forearm near the elbow. As the syndrome progresses, the elbow may become very sore and irritated by any kind of contact. Later, the hand muscles can become numb and weak, resulting in a slow atrophy of the arm. Untreated, cubital tunnel syndrome can cause the last two fingers to curl into a claw grip and become unusable, similar to what you may see with cerebral palsy patients. (more) Causes: Cubital tunnel syndrome is caused by a direct blow, frequent irritation or pressure on the elbow. The most common causes of cubital tunnel syndrome are using a computer, sleeping on bent elbows, repetitive factory work, long-distance driving, and playing a guitar or other musical instrument. (more) Description: The radial nerve starts at the neck, travels through the shoulder, down the arm and outside the elbow, runs below the supinator muscle that that allows you to twist the hand clockwise, then branches out to attach to the muscles on the back of the forearm. There are several places the radial nerve can be struck or pinched. Symptoms: The symptoms of radial tunnel syndrome include tenderness and pain on the outside of the elbow, similar to what one feels with tennis elbow. Tenderness occurs about two inches further down the arm, where the radial nerve goes into the supinator muscle. Sensory loss is rare because the radial nerve is principally a motor nerve. Causes: Repetitive, forceful pushing and pulling, bending of the wrist, gripping and pinching can irritate the nerve. Radial tunnel syndrome is often caused by using a computer, long-distance driving, racket sports, and playing a musical instrument. Discuss this article in our forums Related posts:Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
Cubital Tunnel Syndrome
and half of the ring finger. It works the muscle that closes the thumb into the palm and controls several other small muscles in the hand. The ulnar nerve rests in a groove called the cubital tunnel tucked behind the bony point on the inside edge of the elbow. Cubital tunnel syndrome occurs when the ulnar nerve is struck, pressed or irritated at the elbow. (more)Radial Tunnel Syndrome
