Compressive issues in the foot can be felt if you tap the top of the foot with a hard thing (like the handle of a butter knife or a wooden mixing spoon)...
If you feel zings easily in your toes/foot, some compression is happening around the ankle.
There is also a spot on the inside lower ankle:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tinel_sign

Same for the hand. This is called Tinel's sign.

Compression in the spine can be from spurs, herniations, or vertebrae that have collapsed from osteoporosis.

Arthritis can compress nerves in any joint affected. This is from inflammation in general. I have some referral to my feet from my knees, and that is where I will do Lidoderms if they flare up.