Peripheral Nerve Conditions

General symptoms of damaged peripheral nerves include:

The following are peripheral nerve conditions treated by our specialists:

The carpal tunnel is a space in the wrist where a nerve and nine tendons pass from the forearm into the hand. Carpal tunnel syndrome is a type of hand nerve entrapment that occurs when swelling in the tunnel compresses the median nerve. As a result of the pressure on the median nerve, patients with carpal tunnel syndrome may experience pain and weakness in the hand, wrist, or fingers. Often, this must be treated surgically before the nerve is irreversibly damaged. 

A migraine is a common type of headache that can occur with symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, or sensitivity to light. In many people, the throbbing pain is felt on only one side of the head. A migraine is different from a tension headache, although some people suffer from a mixed tension migraine, which has features of both a migraine and a tension headache. For patients with chronic migraines who do not find relief with medications or lifestyle changes, peripheral nerve surgery may be the answer.

The cause of chronic pain is often nerve damage because the nerve itself was damaged directly, or the nerve is caught in the scar tissue as the body heals itself. Medication is often prescribed to treat the symptoms; however, as tolerance to the medicine grows, it becomes less and less effective and surgery becomes an option.

The main symptom of phantom limb pain is the feeling of pain in the missing part of the limb. Different patients describe the pain in different ways. Some say it feels like a sharp or shooting pain. Others describe it as achy, burning, or cramping. Over time, phantom limb pain should lessen.

You should be evaluated for phantom limb pain if your pain persists beyond the expected recovery period after your surgery, usually three to six months:

At MedStar Health, our surgeons are experts in diagnosing and treating phantom limb pain. Our peripheral nerve surgeons receive additional training focusing specifically on nerves, to ensure that you receive the best possible care from top experts in the field.

The cubital tunnel is a narrow tube of tissue at your elbow that contains the ulnar nerve. The ulnar nerve runs from your shoulder down to your wrist and controls movement in your ring and pinky fingers. Cubital tunnel syndrome is a type of hand nerve entrapment that forms when this tunnel swells, putting pressure on the ulnar nerve, causing pain and numbness in the hand and fingers. Your doctor may recommend a course of physical therapy, medication, and rest. However, if you are still experiencing symptoms despite this course of treatment, one of our peripheral nerve surgeons should evaluate you to see if you are a candidate for surgery.

Sometimes, diabetic patients may be candidates for peripheral nerve surgery. If the symptoms continue along known compression nerve sites and worsen despite medication or other treatments, nerve surgery can help if done early and can prevent permanent nerve damage.

Meralgia paresthetica, the pinching of the nerve that travels from the spine to the thigh, causes feelings of burning, pain, and numbness along the outer and front part of the thigh. It can result from trauma to the area, diabetes, tight clothing, obesity, and pregnancy.

Patients who suffer from long-term and severe meralgia paresthetica or who find no relief through conservative methods may be candidates for peripheral nerve surgery to help relieve the compression.

A peripheral nerve tumor grows along the path of a nerve. Often, these tumors are slow-growing and benign, and cause varying degrees of pain, numbness, or muscle weakness. Surgery is generally necessary to remove the peripheral nerve tumor. Depending on the type of tumor, the exact type of surgical treatment may vary. Following the tumor removal, you will probably need physical or occupational therapy to keep the affected muscles and joints active and prevent stiffness. You may need a brace or a splint to help hold the affected limb in the proper position.

Peroneal nerve neuropathy occurs when a branch of the sciatic nerve is damaged. This nerve provides movement and sensation to the lower leg, foot, and toes, and, when damaged, can lead to:

If conservative methods (lifestyle changes and medications) are not effective or if your condition is persistent and symptoms get worse, you may be a candidate for peripheral nerve surgery.

The tarsal tunnel is a space where the leg (tibial) nerve travels down to the ankle. This condition occurs when the tunnel swells, compressing the tibial nerve and causing pain, burning, and tingling to occur along the inside of the ankle, heel, arch, and sole of the foot. Symptoms tend to increase as the day progresses and are usually worsened with increased activity, such as walking or exercise. Tarsal tunnel syndrome is a complex condition that often requires nerve decompression surgery.