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Opening December 1, 2027 in Bethesda, MD · Now scheduling new patients

Propel Sports and Orthobiologics
Request an Appointmentfrontdesk@propelsportsortho.com

Nerve pain · Bethesda, MD

Nerve pain treatment in Bethesda, MD

We treat nerve entrapment, neuropathy, neuroma, CRPS, and nerve injury, with ultrasound, EMG, hydrodissection, nerve modulation, and nerve ablation.
Request an AppointmentCommon causesNerve and Chronic Pain services

Email frontdesk@propelsportsortho.com or call (301) 200-9025

What causes nerve pain?

Nerves can be pinched at the wrist, elbow, knee, ankle, or spine, irritated after an injury or surgery, or damaged by conditions such as diabetes. Each pattern has a telltale map of numbness and pain.

Ultrasound shows swollen or trapped nerves directly, and nerve conduction testing measures how well they work, which guides a precise treatment.

When to see an orthopedic doctor for nerve pain

  • Burning, electric, or shooting pain
  • Numbness or tingling that is spreading or not improving
  • Pain after an injury or surgery that is out of proportion
  • Weakness in the hand or foot
  • Pain around a scar or amputation site

Get urgent care instead if you have

  • Sudden weakness or numbness on one side of the body, or trouble speaking (call 911)
  • Rapidly worsening weakness in an arm or leg
  • New loss of bladder or bowel control

Common causes of nerve pain

Each page covers symptoms, how we diagnose it, and your treatment options.

Peripheral NeuropathyNerve damage that causes burning, numbness, or tingling, often in the feet or hands.Nerve EntrapmentA nerve pinched or trapped by surrounding tissue.Traumatic Peripheral Nerve InjuryNerve damage caused by an injury.NeuromaA painful nerve bundle after an injury, surgery, or amputation.Posterior Interosseous Nerve PalsyWeakness lifting the fingers or wrist from a nerve problem in the forearm.Chronic Neuropathic PainLong-lasting pain from nerve damage caused by illness, injury, or medication.Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS)Chronic limb pain far greater than expected after an injury.Stingers and BurnersBrief burning or electric pain down the arm after a hit to the neck or shoulder.Fascial and Scar Tissue RestrictionsTight or painful scar and connective tissue that limits movement.

Nerve pain treatment options

MSK UltrasoundDiagnostic Musculoskeletal UltrasoundReal-time imaging of tendons, ligaments, muscles, joints, and nerves at the exam table, including while you move.EMG / NCSEMG and Nerve Conduction Study with UltrasoundNerve and muscle testing, combined with nerve ultrasound, to pinpoint the cause of numbness, tingling, or weakness.Nerve HydrodissectionNerve HydrodissectionUses fluid, under ultrasound, to free a nerve that is stuck or compressed by surrounding tissue.Scar HydrodissectionFascia and Scar HydrodissectionLoosens tight or painful scar and connective tissue with precisely placed fluid.Nerve ModulationNerve ModulationNerve blocks and stimulators, including peripheral nerve and spinal cord stimulation, that quiet the nerves carrying pain so rehab can move forward.Nerve AblationUltrasound-Guided Nerve AblationUses controlled heat or pulsed energy to quiet the small sensory nerves carrying chronic joint or tendon pain.PNSPeripheral Nerve Stimulation (PNS)A thin lead placed near a nerve delivers mild electrical pulses that reduce chronic nerve or musculoskeletal pain.CryoneurolysisCryoneurolysisUses targeted cold to temporarily quiet a painful nerve.ChemoneurolysisChemoneurolysisMedication placed at a nerve to calm overactivity or pain.Botulinum ToxinBotulinum Toxin InjectionsRelaxes overactive muscles or reduces nerve-related pain in spasticity, exertional compartment syndrome, neuropathy, and ischiofemoral impingement.Sympathetic BlocksSympathetic Nerve BlocksCalms the group of nerves involved in certain chronic pain conditions such as CRPS.SCS / DRGSpinal Cord and DRG StimulationImplanted stimulators that send mild signals to the spinal cord or specific nerve roots to reduce chronic pain.Rehab PlanningRehabilitation and Return-to-Activity PlanningA strength-first plan, coordinated with your physical therapist, that sets clear milestones for getting back to training, work, and sport.

Questions about nerve pain

What kind of doctor treats nerve pain?
Physiatrists, pain medicine physicians, and neurologists treat nerve pain. At Propel, Dr. Chen combines nerve ultrasound, EMG testing, and nerve procedures to treat entrapments, neuromas, and neuropathic pain.
What is nerve hydrodissection?
Under ultrasound, fluid is placed around a trapped nerve to free it from surrounding tissue. It is done in the office through a needle.
Can nerve pain be treated without surgery?
Often yes. Hydrodissection, nerve blocks, nerve modulation, and nerve ablation calm many painful nerves, and surgical release is considered when a nerve keeps losing function.

What to expect at your visit

  1. 1.

    We listen first

    Your visit opens with a real conversation: how the problem started, what you have already tried, and the activity you want back.

  2. 2.

    Exam and in-office ultrasound

    A hands-on exam, then ultrasound at the exam table, often while you move, so your physician can see the tendon, joint, or nerve involved.

  3. 3.

    A clear diagnosis and plan

    You leave knowing what is wrong and what your options are, from strength-based rehab to procedures, and why we recommend each one.

  4. 4.

    Treatment and follow-through

    Most procedures happen here in the office. We coordinate with your physical therapist and check progress against the goals you set.

Opening December 1, 2027

Ready to get back in motion?

We are scheduling new patients now. Book an evaluation to find out what is causing your pain and how to treat it.

Request an AppointmentCall (301) 200-9025

Call the front desk

(301) 200-9025

frontdesk@propelsportsortho.com
Fax (301) 664-1148

Email frontdesk@propelsportsortho.com

Call (301) 200-9025Request