Entrapment neuropathy (neuralgia, neuritis, pinched or trapped nerve) is caused by physical compression or irritation of major nerve trunks and peripheral nerves, producing distant nerve pain symptoms. Certain sites in the body are more likely to produce nerve entrapment because of anatomical vulnerability (design fault). In some cases, compression of blood vessels may also occur producing signs of poor peripheral circulation. Symptoms in the arms can be caused by the nerve compression at the following sites:

Neck – Thoracic Outlet Syndrome (Costo-clavicular Syndrome, Cervical Rib Syndrome, Scalenus Anterior Syndrome).

Shoulder – Supraclavicular Neuritis.

Elbow – Ulnar Neuritis, Median Neuritis, Radial Neuritis.

Wrist – Carpal Tunnel Syndrome, Ulnar Neuritis

Symptoms in the legs can be caused by nerve compression at the following sites:

Hip – Piriformis Syndrome, Meralgia Paraesthetica.

Lower Leg – Compartment Syndrome.

Foot – Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome, Medial Plantar Neuritis, Digital Neuritis, Deep Peroneal Neuritis.

Treatment in the pain clinic consists of joint and muscle mobilisation (reducing muscle spasm and tissue swelling, increasing the amount of physical space for the trapped nerve), injections (reducing nerve inflammation), and surgical decompression (enlarging the available space for the trapped nerve when conservative treatments have failed).