Nerve entrapment: The nerves are structures that resemble a cable in both their shape and function. They are shaped like a cord, they consist of a sheath that contains fibers whose function is to transmit electricity; of course these structures, like our whole organism, are made up of cells and perform numerous functions in addition to transmitting electricity. They require nutrients and oxygen to live.

The nerves allow us to feel and move our entire body and for this they are connected to the spinal cord and the brain, which is where information is processed and organized. Just like a cable, they make a journey from the command center to the organ that performs the function and during that course they are closely related to muscles, tendons, bones, ligaments and blood vessels.

Sometimes the nerves can be trapped (nerve entrapment)by tense muscles, inflamed structures, bones repaired from a fracture, etc., which prevents the adequate arrival of blood and consequently oxygen and nutrients. This causes alterations in the transmission of electricity, so that the organs can no longer be stimulated in a normal way, affecting their function and causing muscle weakness, numbness in fingers or toesamong other sintoms

You have probably heard of carpal tunnel syndrome, it is the most common entrapment and occurs in the hand, frecuently manifested as burning pain and itchy fingers, but there are many others. The diagnosis is made in the doctor’s office and may require studies such as ultrasound and nerve conduction studies, better known as EMGs.

Nerve entrapments are hand surgeon’s specialty, but surgery is not required in all cases.