Peripheral Nerve Conditions

Peripheral nerves are responsible for transmitting signals between the brain, spinal cord and the rest of the body.

When these nerves are compressed or damaged, patients may experience pain, numbness, tingling, weakness, or loss of function.

 In some cases, conservative measures such as physiotherapy or medication may be enough. However, when symptoms persist or progress, surgery may be the most effective treatment to restore function and quality of life.

A/Prof Peter Mews manages a range of peripheral nerve disorders, using advanced microsurgical techniques to relieve compression and preserve nerve function. By offering care in Canberra, Wagga Wagga and Moruya, he ensures patients across the region have access to specialist expertise without needing to travel interstate.

Conditions Treated

Carpal tunnel syndrome is the most common entrapment neuropathy, caused by compression of the median nerve as it passes through the wrist. In Australia, it is particularly common among women over 40 and those in manual occupations involving repetitive hand movements.

Causes:

  • Repetitive wrist use
  • Arthritis
  • Pregnancy and fluid retention
  • Diabetes and thyroid disease

 

Symptoms:

  • Numbness or tingling in the thumb, index, and middle fingers
  • Night-time hand pain
  • Weakness or difficulty gripping

 

Treatment options:

  • Splinting or wrist supports
  • Corticosteroid injections
  • Surgical decompression (carpal tunnel release) for persistent or severe cases

 

Surgery has a high success rate, with most patients experiencing rapid relief of pain and gradual improvement in function.

Ulnar neuropathy occurs when the ulnar nerve becomes compressed, most commonly at the elbow (cubital tunnel syndrome). It can also occur at the wrist (Guyon’s canal).

Causes:

  • Leaning on elbows for prolonged periods
  • Elbow arthritis or previous injury
  • Repetitive bending of the arm

 

Symptoms:

  • Numbness and tingling in the ring and little fingers
  • Weak grip strength
  • Muscle wasting in severe or long-standing cases

 

Treatment options:

  • Avoiding pressure on the elbow
  • Elbow padding or splints
  • Surgical decompression or transposition of the ulnar nerve if conservative measures fail

The common peroneal nerve wraps around the fibular head just below the knee, making it vulnerable to compression or injury. Damage can lead to “foot drop”, where the patient cannot lift the foot properly when walking.

Causes:

  • Prolonged leg crossing
  • Rapid weight loss
  • Trauma or fracture of the fibula
  • Compression from cysts or masses

 

Symptoms:

  • Weakness in ankle and toe lifting (foot drop)
  • Numbness over the top of the foot and shin
  • Gait disturbance

 

Treatment options:

  • Physiotherapy and ankle-foot orthoses (braces)
  • Addressing underlying causes (e.g. cyst removal)
  • Nerve decompression or repair when appropriate

This condition occurs when the lateral femoral cutaneous nerve, which supplies sensation to the outer thigh, becomes compressed as it passes under the inguinal ligament.

Causes:

  • Obesity
  • Tight clothing or belts
  • Pregnancy
  • Diabetes

 

Symptoms:

  • Burning, tingling, or numbness over the outer thigh
  • Symptoms worsen with walking or standing and improve with sitting

 

Treatment options:

  • Weight loss and lifestyle modification
  • Avoiding tight belts or clothing
  • Local anaesthetic or steroid injections
  • Surgical nerve release if conservative measures fail

Thoracic outlet syndrome occurs when nerves of the brachial plexus are compressed as they pass between the collarbone and first rib. Neurogenic TOS is the most common type, though vascular forms can also occur.

Causes:

  • Anatomical variations such as a cervical rib
  • Poor posture
  • Trauma (e.g. whiplash injury)
  • Repetitive overhead activity

 

Symptoms:

  • Pain, numbness, or tingling in the arm and hand
  • Weakness or heaviness of the arm with use
  • Symptoms often worsen with overhead activity

 

Treatment options:

  • Physiotherapy and posture correction
  • Pain management and activity modification
  • Surgical decompression (removal of cervical rib or scalene muscles) for persistent, disabling symptoms

 

Why Choose A/Prof Peter Mews?

Peripheral nerve surgery requires precision, microsurgical skill, and a patient-focused approach. A/Prof Peter Mews brings advanced training in cranial and peripheral nerve disorders, along with broad neurosurgical expertise that allows him to manage both common and complex nerve conditions.

His regional practice locations in Canberra, Wagga Wagga and Moruya ensure patients have access to high-quality neurosurgical care close to home. For those living with pain, weakness or disability from nerve compression, timely specialist assessment can make a profound difference in restoring comfort, independence and quality of life.