Peripheral Nerve Entrapment Mimics of Overuse Syndromes: A Symptom-First Diagnostic Framework

Area of Science:

• Musculoskeletal Medicine
• Neurology
• Sports Medicine

Background:

• Repetitive use injuries commonly present as tendinopathies.
• Focal peripheral nerve entrapment can mimic or coexist with tendon pathology.
• Subtle or nonspecific weakness, sensory symptoms, or imaging findings can complicate diagnosis.

Purpose of the Study:

• To provide a practical, symptom-first framework for clinicians.
• To distinguish between tendon-dominant, nerve-dominant, and mixed presentations.
• To improve diagnostic accuracy and guide management of repetitive use injuries.

Main Methods:

• Review of clinical presentations and diagnostic approaches.
• Emphasis on five clinically relevant tendon-nerve mimic pairs.
• Focus on symptom pattern, pain distribution, and neurologic deficits.

Main Results:

• Symptom pattern, pain distribution, and focal neurologic deficits are key diagnostic indicators.
• Imaging and adjunctive testing are used selectively.
• A symptom-first approach aids in recognizing atypical presentations.

Conclusions:

• A symptom-first framework enhances the differentiation of tendon and nerve pathologies.
• This approach can reduce diagnostic errors and improve rehabilitation strategies.
• Accurate diagnosis is crucial for effective management of musculoskeletal and neurological conditions.