Living with numbness, tingling, burning pain, or muscle weakness can make everyday tasks feel frustrating or even impossible. At Sharma Hand & Nerve, Dr. Ketan Sharma understands how nerve compression disrupts your life and offers precise diagnosis and expert care to help you regain comfort, independence, and confidence in your body.
What is nerve compression?
Nerve compression, often called a “pinched nerve,” occurs when surrounding tissues, such as bone, muscle, or tendons, put pressure on a nerve. This can disrupt the nerve’s function, leading to symptoms like pain, numbness, tingling, or muscle weakness. While carpal tunnel syndrome is the most recognized form, nerve compression can affect many areas of the body, including the elbow, shoulder, and leg. At Sharma Hand & Nerve, Dr. Sharma specializes in diagnosing and treating nerve compression with advanced care.
What are the signs & symptoms of nerve compression?
When a nerve is compressed, the body sends clear signals that something isn’t right. These symptoms can vary based on the location of the affected nerve, but often disrupt daily function and comfort. Common signs and symptoms of nerve compression include:
- Numbness or reduced sensation along the nerve path
- Tingling or “pins and needles” sensation
- Burning or sharp pain in the affected area
- Muscle weakness or difficulty controlling movement
- Pain that worsens with certain movements or positions
- Loss of coordination or grip strength in the hands
- Radiating pain from the neck, shoulder, or back into the limbs
What causes nerve compression?
Nerve compression occurs when the space around a nerve becomes narrowed or crowded, which places pressure on the nerve itself. This can interfere with how the nerve sends signals, resulting in pain, numbness, or weakness. Compression may develop gradually due to daily wear or suddenly after an injury. Various factors can contribute to this condition, often involving repetitive stress or structural changes in the body. Common causes of nerve compression include:
- Repetitive movements from work, sports, or hobbies
- Prolonged pressure from poor posture or positioning
- Inflammation or swelling from injury or overuse
- Weight gain or obesity increasing tissue pressure
- Hormonal changes or fluid retention during pregnancy
- Bone spurs or joint degeneration
- Muscle tightness or anatomical abnormalities
- Medical conditions like diabetes or thyroid disorders
- Herniated discs pressing on spinal nerves
- Tumors or cysts forming near nerve pathways
- Infections causing localized swelling or inflammation
What are the treatments for nerve compression?
At Sharma Hand & Nerve, every treatment plan begins with a precise diagnosis. Dr. Sharma uses advanced imaging and nerve studies to identify the source of compression and understand its severity. From there, he curates a personalized care plan based on your symptoms, overall health, and functional goals. Whether your condition can be managed non-surgically or requires surgical intervention, Dr. Sharma focuses on achieving long-term relief and restoring function. Treatment options for nerve compression may include:
- Therapeutic exercises and nerve gliding techniques
- Anti-inflammatory medications to reduce swelling
- Avoiding repetitive motions or pressure on the affected area
- Application of heat and cold to ease pain and inflammation
- Corticosteroid injections to decrease localized irritation
- Pain medications to manage discomfort during healing
- Minimally invasive nerve decompression surgery
- Targeted procedures like carpal tunnel or thoracic outlet release
Why choose Dr. Sharma for nerve compression?
Dr. Ketan Sharma is a board-certified hand and nerve surgeon with specialized training in complex nerve conditions. He understands how disruptive nerve compression can be—whether it’s limiting your movement, affecting your work, or interfering with your quality of life. With a patient-centered approach, Dr. Sharma uses advanced diagnostic tools and minimally invasive techniques to restore function and relieve pain. His focus is always on long-term outcomes and helping you return to the activities that matter most. Here’s what sets Dr. Sharma apart:
- Fellowship-trained in peripheral nerve and hand surgery
- Expertise in both surgical and non-surgical nerve treatments
- State-of-the-art diagnostic technology for accurate evaluation
- Minimally invasive procedures that ensure faster recovery
- Personalized care tailored to your symptoms and goals
- A strong record of successful outcomes and patient satisfaction
If you’re experiencing signs of nerve compression, schedule a consultation with Dr. Sharma today to explore your treatment options in Boise, Idaho.
