Radial Nerve Compression occurs when the radial nerve — which runs along the back of the upper arm and forearm — becomes irritated or trapped. This nerve controls wrist and finger extension, as well as sensation over parts of the hand.
Compression can cause pain, numbness, or weakness that interferes with gripping, lifting, or even extending your wrist.
At Dr. Burke Orthopedics, we diagnose and treat nerve compression injuries using advanced orthopedic and rehabilitative techniques to help patients throughout Pearland, Houston, Friendswood, and Southeast Texas restore strength, coordination, and hand function.
The radial nerve can be compressed at several sites, including near the elbow, forearm, or wrist. The most common site is the radial tunnel, a narrow pathway near the outer elbow.
Common causes include:
In athletes and manual laborers, chronic strain can cause progressive irritation, while sudden injuries may lead to acute nerve entrapment.
The hallmark signs of radial nerve compression include:
Symptoms can resemble tennis elbow or carpal tunnel syndrome, making expert evaluation essential.
Dr. Robert L. Burke, a board-certified orthopedic surgeon, uses clinical evaluation and diagnostic testing to confirm nerve involvement and rule out overlapping conditions.
Diagnostic steps include:
Accurate localization of compression ensures targeted, effective treatment.
Most cases of radial nerve compression can be treated conservatively, especially when diagnosed early.
Non-surgical options include:
Surgical Treatments
If conservative care fails or if nerve compression causes progressive weakness, Dr. Burke may recommend radial nerve decompression surgery.
This minimally invasive procedure releases the constricting tissue or fascia around the nerve to restore proper signal transmission and relieve pain.
Recovery and Prevention
Recovery timeline:
Prevention strategies:
Adhering to ergonomic and conditioning practices minimizes recurrence and supports long-term nerve health.
Call Dr. Burke Orthopedics if you notice:
Prompt diagnosis helps prevent irreversible nerve damage and restores normal hand coordination.
At Dr. Burke Orthopedics, we proudly serve patients across Pearland, Houston, Friendswood, and Southeast Texas, offering full-spectrum orthopedic and nerve-care services — from diagnostics to recovery.
Our approach combines surgical expertise, regenerative medicine, and rehabilitation for long-term results you can trust.
