What Is a Pinched Nerve?
A pinched nerve — also called nerve compression — happens when surrounding tissues place too much pressure on the nerve.
Nerves are tiny fibers that carry messages from our brains throughout our bodies, and back to our brains.
When nerves pass through very small spaces — such as our joints — it's easier for them to become compressed, or pinched. This means that they have too much pressure on them.
A compressed or pinched nerve can occur between tissues such as:
- Ligaments
- Tendons
- Bones
- Fluid in our joints
Some common places to have compressed nerves are in your:
- Fingers
- Hands
- Wrist
- Shoulders
- Legs
- Knees
- Feet
- Toes
Nerve compression causes and risk factors
Nerve compression and pinched nerve causes include:
- External force (such as hitting your elbow)
- Swelling within the joints
- Bruises or cysts
Diabetes puts you at a high risk for getting compressed nerves.