What Are the Treatments for a Pinched Radial Nerve?

A pinched radial nerve, or radial nerve dysfunction, causes mobility issues in the forearms, triceps or hands. In many cases, no treatment is needed and your injury will recover over time. Treatments for a pinched radial nerve should be sought if you encounter an arm injury that leads to numbness, tingling or weakness.

Pain Relievers

• Non-prescription and prescription analgesics or pain medicines can relieve discomfort caused by arm injury. Avoid taking multiple pain relievers at once and consult with your doctor about drug interactions and side effects.

Steroids

• Steroids, such as prednisone, can reduce swelling while your arm is in a splint, cast or brace.

Therapy

• Physical therapy helps strengthen muscles around the pinched nerve; occupational therapy may be helpful to retrain you on your job duties once you return to work. Splints, braces and casts may be used to help you maintain use of your injured hand.

Surgery

• Surgery may be required for severely pinched radial nerves. This will help remove masses that press on the nerve.

Complications

• Complications associated with pinched radial nerves are slight to severe deformity of the hand, and partial or complete loss of feeling and movement to the hand or wrist.