Home > Conditions/Therapies > Hand Disorders > Tendonitis and Nerve Compressions
Numbness or Tingling in Extremities
Dr. Howard Liss treats disorders that cause pain and disability by providing consultative services and soft tissue and joint injections when needed. When medically appropriate, he makes specific referrals for diagnostic testing (lab work, imaging, electrodiagnosis), physical and occupational therapy, interventional procedures (epidurals and facet joint injections), and surgery.
A consideration of tendonitis and nerve compression leads many to the same conclusion—carpal tunnel syndrome. Yet, while symptoms relating to tendonitis and carpal tunnel syndrome are similar on many levels, there is a very important distinction. Carpal tunnel syndrome involves the compression of a nerve in the wrist (median nerve). Tendonitis is simply inflammation of thetendon.
Tendonitis mostly develops through a repetitive activity or overuse of a tendon and can occur anywhere in the body where tendons are found. Symptoms vary depending on the area affected. For instance, individuals with rotator cuff tendonitis experience dull, yet persistent achiness that radiates to the upper arm. Pain is notably worse at night. Those with tennis elbow feel pain on the outer side of the elbow, while those with golfer’s elbow experience pain on the inner side of the elbow. In cases of jumper’s knee, individuals note pain below the kneecap. For cases of De Quervain’s disease,hand painis apparent at the back of the wrist, near the thumb. In turn, Achilles tendonitis is a condition where individuals feel pain a few inches above the back of the heel. Even so, common symptoms associated with tendonitis of the upper extremities that affect the forearm, wrist and hand are listedbelow:
- Wrist pain
- Tingling sensation or weakness in the fingers
- Tightness in the forearm, wrist or hand
- Numbness in the hand and fingers
- Sensation of burning or swelling
- Pain on the front or back of the hand or wrist
- Tenderness on top of the affected tendon (sensitive to touch)
In some respects, nerves are prone to overload in the same way as tendons. For instance, when a nerve becomes pinched, or “compressed,” it’s usually a result of the pressure of repetitive movements. Interestingly, nerves are especially susceptible to becoming pinched when they are pressed between connective tissues such astendons.
When it comes to nerve compression, there may or may not be pain at the point of compression. To better explain, pressure on a nerve root exiting the spine may result in neck pain for some people and back pain for others. In turn, the pain may travel from the neck to the shoulder or into the leg and foot. In the same way, when a nerve is compressed in the neck or arm, pain may be felt in the elbow, wrist, hand or fingers. Even so, below are some common symptoms relating to a compressednerve:
- Radiating pain and sciatica
- Numbness and tingling
- Sensation of burning or “pins and needles”
- Feelings of weakness
Treatment and Rehabilitation for Tendonitis and Nerve Compression
Aside from causing frustration, tendonitis and nerve compression injuries can slow individuals down and may even result in loss of wages due to time off of work. Yet, the good news regarding tendons and nerves is that they can heal, and functioning can be restored with the right combination of treatment andrehabilitation.
With a multidisciplinary approach and extensive knowledge regarding multiple systems of the body, physiatrists are adept at designing treatment and rehabilitation that eases pain and improves functioning. They give consideration to both physiological and psychological components oftherapy.
A multitude of conservative, non-surgical treatments are brought to the table, some of whichinclude:
- Blood injections
- Corticosteroid injections
- Exercise
- Electrical stimulation
- Percutaneous tenotomy
- Massage
- Laser therapy
- Anti-inflammatory medication
- Ice and heat packs
- Ultrasound
- Splinting
- Stretching
At the Howard Liss, M.D. Rehabilitation Institute, patients can rely on Dr. Liss to put together the right treatment, therapy and rehabilitation plan to ensure the most optimal outcome. Dr. Liss works closely with other specialists required to rehabilitate patients suffering from chronic pain or serious injuries, and Dr. Liss will refer patients as needed to ensure appropriate treatment. With extensive education and exposure to a variety of conditions that affect the cervical and lumbar spine, bones, nerves, joints, ligaments, tendons, muscles, brain, and spinal cord, Dr. Liss is uniquely positioned to help patients manage their pain and maximize theirfunctioning.
To schedule an appointment,contact the Howard Liss, M.D. Rehabilitation Institutetoday.
FAQs
Treating tendonitis
Compress the area with an elastic bandage to ease soreness and inflammation. Keep the joint elevated. Your healthcare provider may recommend taking over-the-counter pain relievers, such as aspirin (in adults), naproxen, or ibuprofen.
Does nerve compression cause damage? ›
If a nerve is pinched for only a short time, there's often no permanent damage. Once the pressure is relieved, nerve function returns. However, if the pressure continues, chronic pain and permanent nerve damage can occur.
How do you fix nerve compression syndrome? ›
The most frequently recommended treatment for a pinched nerve is rest for the affected area. Stop any activities that cause the compression or make symptoms worse. Depending on the location of the pinched nerve, you may need a splint, collar or brace to immobilize the area.
What is the difference between nerve pain and tendon pain? ›
With tendon pain, it will feel sore when you push on the affected area. “Nerve pain is more of a burning, fiery pain,” says Dr. King. And it tends to come and go.
When should you not apply compression? ›
If any of the following contraindications are present, compression therapy should be not be carried out: • Uncompensated organ failure (i.e., heart, liver, or renal). Untreated deep vein thrombosis or phlebitis. Severe arterial disease (ABI 0.49 or less) unless ordered by a vascular surgeon or Physician.
When should you not wear compression? ›
If the top of the stocking at the thigh or calf is too tight, it can create a tourniquet effect. This actually blocks or slows your blood flow. You shouldn't wear compression socks if you have severe peripheral artery disease (PAD) because it makes the blood vessels in your legs narrow, reducing your blood flow.
What makes nerve compression worse? ›
Nerve damage can be made worse by overuse. A person with a pinched nerve should avoid any movements that irritate the nerve. They should also try to sleep in a position that relieves the pressure on the nerve.
How long is too long for nerve compression? ›
A pinched nerve may last for days, weeks or even longer depending on the location. In the most severe cases, recurring compression against the nerve may result in permanent damage. Speak with your doctor if you experience a pinched nerve that keeps coming back or lasts for longer than several days.
How long does nerve compression take to heal? ›
Time and rest: For many people, time takes care of a pinched nerve and it doesn't need treatment. The pain should go away in a few days or weeks. Ice and heat: Apply ice and heat as you would with any swollen area for temporary relief.
What doctor treats nerve compression? ›
Physiatrists and neurosurgeons are the best doctors to treat pinched nerves due to their specialized training in the complicated system of nerves, spine, and pain pathways. That level of expertise helps ensure the best recovery from pinched nerves possible.
Signs and symptoms of nerve compression
- Dull, aching pain in the back or neck.
- Shocklike bursts of pain in the back or neck.
- Pain, numbness, or tingling radiating into an arm or leg.
- Loss of sensation in a limb.
- Frequently feeling like your hand or foot is “asleep”
Severe nerve compression that lasts more than six weeks can cause permanent muscle loss and nerve damage. You should see your healthcare provider early about symptoms so you can start the appropriate treatment.
Is tendonitis a muscle or nerve? ›
Tendons are thick fibrous cords that attach muscle to bone. Overuse or strain on a joint can inflame tendons and result in tendinitis. Tendinitis is inflammation of the thick fibrous cords that attach muscle to bone. These cords are called tendons.
What is a good painkiller for nerve pain? ›
Tramadol. Tramadol is a powerful painkiller related to morphine that can be used to treat neuropathic pain that does not respond to other treatments a GP can prescribe. Like all opioids, tramadol can be addictive if it's taken for a long time. It'll usually only be prescribed for a short time.
Why is tendonitis so painful? ›
When a tendon is inflamed, it can cause swelling, pain, and discomfort. Another problem called tenosynovitis is linked to tendonitis. This is the inflammation of the lining of the tendon sheath around a tendon. Usually, the sheath itself is inflamed, but both the sheath and the tendon can be inflamed at the same time.
Does pressure help tendonitis? ›
Sports massage combines different forms of massage and muscle manipulation to stretch and stimulate the muscles. It can treat tendonitis by applying sustained pressure and friction to the tendon to improve pain and mobility.
Does wrapping tendonitis help? ›
Peroneal Tendonitis taping provides effective relief from outside ankle pain. It shortens the tendon to reduce its workload through the gait cycle. It is one of the most effective forms of pain relief for this condition, and it is easy to apply yourself.
Is hot or cold compression better for tendonitis? ›
Heat may be more helpful for chronic tendon pain, often called tendinopathy or tendinosis. Heat can increase blood flow, which may help promote healing of the tendon. Heat also relaxes muscles, which can relieve pain.
Should you brace tendonitis? ›
For an inflamed tendon to heal, it must be given time to rest. During that period, the movement of the affected body part must be limited but not strained. Braces help in doing that. You should wear braces for tendonitis as long as it takes for the injury to heal, anywhere from a few days to a few weeks.
