Orthopaedics
Orthopaedic Nerve Conditions
The UC Davis Health Department of Orthopaedics is ranked as a high-performing specialty by U.S. News and World Report. We’re here to help you improve nerve pain and live a more vibrant life.
Medically reviewed by Amelia Sorensen, M.D. on Sep. 08, 2025.
What Are Orthopaedic Nerve Conditions?
Nerve-related orthopaedic conditions affect the nerves of your limbs or spine. Examples of these conditions include:
- Cysts and tumors that form on nerves.
- Peripheral neuropathy, nerve conditions that don’t involve your brain or spinal cord.
- Nerve compression syndromes, such as carpal tunnel syndrome, where pressure causes nerve pain.
- Spine problems such as cervical radiculopathy that cause nerve pain in your limbs.
The orthopaedic specialists at UC Davis Health understand how nerve pain impacts your life. We use the latest research to give you the most advanced treatments for nerve-related orthopaedic conditions.
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Orthopaedic Nerve Condition Symptoms
Each nerve-related condition has different symptoms depending on what nerves it affects and how bad it is.
Common Symptom
Common nerve condition symptoms include:
- Balance or coordination problems
- Muscle paralysis, shrinking or weakness
- Numbness, pain or tingling
- Sensitivity to touch or heat
- Sexual dysfunction
- Twitches or spasms
Emergency Symptoms
If you have any of the following symptoms, call 911 or get medical attention right away:
- Suddenly losing the use of a foot, hand or limb
- Sudden paralysis
- Loss of bowel or bladder function
Orthopaedic Nerve Condition Causes
There are many possible causes of nerve-related orthopaedic conditions. Some of these are treated by vascular surgeons and other specialists. They include:
Alcoholism
Overuse of alcohol over long periods of time can lead to peripheral neuropathy.
Chemical Exposure
Some heavy metals and chemicals used in manufacturing and other industrial processes can cause nerve damage.
Circulation Problems
Poor blood flow to your extremities can cause peripheral neuropathy.
Infections
Certain bacterial or viral infections can affect nerves. Examples include hepatitis B and C, human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and the bacterium that causes Lyme disease.
Injuries, Repetitive Motion and Surgery
Injuries and repetitive motion can compress, cut or stretch nerves, leading to nerve conditions. Surgical procedures can also injure nerves.
Medical Conditions
Some conditions and diseases can lead to nerve disorders. Examples include hypothyroidism, kidney disease, type 2 diabetes and vasculitis.
Tumors
Tumors on or near nerves can cause nerve pain.
Vitamin Deficiencies
Not getting enough of certain nutrients can lead to nerve pain. These nutrients include copper, vitamin E, and vitamins B1, B6, B9 and B12.
Diagnosing Orthopaedic Nerve Conditions
At UC Davis Health, we use the most advanced equipment and methods for diagnosing nerve-related orthopaedic conditions.
You may need one or more tests to look for causes of nerve problems, measure nerve function and assess nerve damage. Tests may include:
- Blood tests, to look for diabetes, infections, immune system problems and vitamin deficiencies.
- Biopsy, your physician takes a sample of your nerve tissue for a pathologist to examine for problems.
- Electromyography, a test that measures how well the signals between your muscles and nerves are working.
- Imaging tests, which show pictures of your internal structures. This helps your physician identify what’s causing your nerve pain. You may undergo CT scan, MRI, ultrasound or X-ray.
- Neurological exam, to check nerve-related functions such as your coordination, mobility, reflexes and extent of sensitivity or numbness.
Orthopaedic Nerve Condition Treatments at UC Davis Health
Specialists at top-ranked UC Davis Health Department of Orthopaedics work closely with researchers to provide the latest procedures and therapies.
Treatment for nerve-related orthopaedic conditions aims to relieve your pain and remove or correct the cause of the pain, if possible.
Pain Treatments
Prescription and non-prescription pain-relieving drugs help reduce pain and inflammation. Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) is a treatment that uses electrical pulses to reduce pain.
Physical Therapy
A therapist works with you to show you exercises, stretches and ways to move that may reduce your pain.
Steroid Shots
Injections (shots) of cortisone, a steroid, can give you temporary relief from nerve pain.
Supportive Devices and Equipment
Devices such as braces, canes, orthotics, walkers and other equipment can help relieve nerve pain.
Surgery
Several different procedures can help with nerve pain. The orthopaedic surgeons at UC Davis Health specialize in ankle, arm, hand, foot, and spine procedures.
Preventing Orthopaedic Nerve Conditions
Some of these conditions aren’t possible to prevent. But if you have type 2 diabetes, keeping it well-controlled can help prevent diabetic neuropathy. Avoiding alcohol, repetitive motion and exposure to toxic chemicals also can prevent some of these conditions.
People who get peripheral neuropathy
8%Of older adults in the U.S.
Sources: U.S. News & World Report: Best Hospitals: UC Davis Medical Center
National Institutes of Health: StatPearls: Neuropathy
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