Managing Nerve Compression in Elderly People: Effective Strategies and Interventions

What Is Nerve Compression Syndrome?

A nerve compression syndrome occurs when there is pressure on the nerves in the peripheral nervous system. These nerves connect the parts of the body and are farther away from the central nervous system. Nerve compression syndrome is a common cause of neuropathic pain in the limbs. They can lead to pinched nerves and neuropathy.

What Is the Cause of Nerve Compression?

Nerve compression affects the nerve as it travels through the small spaces in the joints. The tissue swelling and pressure on nerves cause symptoms. The possible causes are

• Arthritis (joint inflammation).

• Broken bones.

• Accidents and trauma.

• Ankle, knee, and wrist sprains.

• Herniated disk.

• Hypothyroidism (underactive thyroid).

• Tumors and cysts.

• Diabetes.

• Surgical complication.

• Dislocated joints like elbow and shoulder.

What Are the Symptoms of Nerve Compression Syndrome?

The symptoms of nerve compression syndrome can come and go, and it ranges from mild to severe. These can get worsen while doing some activities that tend to pull or press the nerve. The most widely experienced symptoms are:

• Pain, numbness, and tingling sensation in the wrist, elbow, or ankle.

• Limb weakness affects the ability to do day-to-day tasks, and can make an individual feel clumsy.

• Muscle loss in the affected region.

• Inability to move or lift limb, hand, or foot.

• Not able to hold or grasp items.

What Are the Types of Nerve Compression Syndrome?

Nerve compression syndrome can affect different peripheral nerves in the lower and upper body. Syndromes that affect the upper limb include:

• Radial Tunnel Syndrome: Pressure on the radial nerve in the elbow.

• Pronator Teres Syndrome: Compressed median nerve in the elbow.

• Carpal Tunnel Syndrome: Compressed median nerve in the wrist.

• Thoracic Outlet Syndrome: Compressed nerves in the lower neck and upper chest.

• Ulnar Nerve Entrapment: Compressed ulnar nerve in the wrist and elbow.

The compression of nerves that affect lower limbs is

• Peroneal Nerve Compression: Peroneal nerve compression in the lower leg.

• Meralgia Paresthetica: Lateral femoral cutaneous nerve compression in the thigh.

• Sciatica: Damage to the sciatica nerve in the hip, butt, or leg region.

• Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome: Damage to the tibial nerve in the sole of the foot.

• Pudendal Nerve Entrapment Syndrome: Pudendal nerve compression in the pelvic area.

What Are the Risk Factors of Nerve Compression Syndrome?

Individuals who develop compression syndrome can lead to nerve compression, and obesity and pregnancy can also squeeze the nerves. Splints, casts, and crutches can lead to nerve issues. Individuals with certain job profiles are at more risk of getting nerve compression. These jobs include:

• Baseball players.

• Bicyclist.

• Assembly line workers.

• Tennis players.

• Typists.

• Weightlifters.

• Golfers.

• Construction workers and carpenters.

Other uncontrollable risk factors include:

• Age: Age is an important factor and risk of developing nerve compression. Individuals over the age of 50 have an increased risk of developing nerve issues due to nerves, bones, and muscle degeneration. As age progresses the individuals' bodies begin to break down and nerves become more inflamed leading to nerve compression.

• Genetics: In many cases, spinal disorders are the cause of nerve compression; they are mostly due to genetic reasons.

• Diabetes: Diabetes is a condition that affects overall health. These individuals are at high risk of developing nerve damage and irritation.

• Weight: Obese individuals are at more risk of developing nerve compression.

• Physical Activity: Both sedentary and highly active lifestyles lead to nerve compression. Individuals with sedentary life have a greater risk of nerve compression. Individuals who are highly active and lift heavy weights are also at risk of developing nerve compression.

• Menopause: Menopause leads to bone loss, which can lead to nerve damage and irritation.

What Complications Occur Due to Nerve Compression Syndrome?

The complications that can occur due to nerve compression syndrome depend on the location and severity of the compression. Possible complications of nerve compression syndrome include:

• Weakness: Nerve compression can lead to muscle weakness or atrophy in the affected area, making it difficult to perform everyday activities or even causing disability in severe cases.

• Loss of sensation: In severe cases, nerve compression can cause permanent loss of sensation in the affected area.

• Chronic pain: Nerve compression can cause chronic pain in the affected area, which may become debilitating and affect daily activities.

• Bowel or bladder Dysfunction: Nerve compression in the lower back or pelvic area can cause bowel or bladder dysfunction, including incontinence or difficulty urinating or having a bowel movement.

• Inflammation and Swelling: Nerve compression can cause inflammation and swelling in the affected area, leading to further compression and exacerbating symptoms.

• Reduced Quality of Life: Nerve compression can impact the quality of life, limiting the ability to engage in social and recreational activities and causing emotional distress.

How Is Nerve Compression Managed in Elderly People?

Treatment for nerve compression syndrome varies based on the part of the body it affects, such as sciatica. In such cases, plenty of rest over time heals it. The treatment plan to relieve pain in the elderly is by providing:

• Gentle compresses, hot or cold ease sore muscles.

• Gentle movements and exercise.

• Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs).

• Osteopathic treatment.

• Surgery in cases of slipped discs.

• In cases of nerve compression that involves elbows, hands, and shoulders avoiding certain procedures, activities, and postures that worsen the pain. It is also recommended to do a certain specific exercise, called gliding exercise, which helps in relieving pressure in nerves.

How Can One Prevent Nerve Compression in Old Age?

Avoiding repetitive motions helps in reducing the risk of nerve compression and taking required regular reals during a task or repetitive activities, as well as doing gentle movements in between the activities can help. Avoiding excess pressure for a prolonged duration on wrists, hands, and elbows can reduce the risk. Treating underlying conditions like arthritis, and diabetes can reduce inflammation and lower the risk of nerve compression. Other ways include:

• Keep a good posture, and avoid staying in the same posture for a longer duration.

• Doing regular strength exercise and flexibility exercises.

• Maintaining a moderate weight.

Conclusion

Nerve compression is a condition that results due to excess pressure on nerves, and it can affect anyone at any age, especially the elderly. Individuals can treat nerve compression with home remedies like gentle stretches and avoiding repetitive movements that can aggravate the condition. In a few cases, nerve compression heals by itself with rest. If there is no improvement after home remedies, the individual requires guidance from the healthcare provider. If an individual does not take timely treatment for nerve compression, it can progress, and worsen and lead to permanent nerve damage.