Treatment:

The goal of treatment is to allow you to use the affected body part as much as possible.

The cause of the mononeuropathy should be identified and treated as appropriate. Sometimes, no treatment is needed and you will get better on your own.

High blood pressure and diabetes can injure an artery, which can often affect a single nerve. The underlying condition should be treated.

Corticosteroids injected into the area may reduce swelling and pressure on the nerve if it is being pinched or trapped against another part of the body, such as a bone. Surgery may be recommended if symptoms are caused by entrapment of the nerve. Surgery to relieve the pressure on the nerve may help in some cases.

Medications:

• Over-the-counter or prescription pain medicine may be needed to control pain (neuralgia).
• Prescription medications such as gabapentin, pregabalin, phenytoin, carbamazepine, or antidepressants such as amitriptyline, nortriptyline, or duloxetine may be used to reduce stabbing pains. Whenever possible, avoid or minimize the use of these drugs to reduce the risk of medication side effects.

Other Treatments:

• Physical therapy exercises to maintain muscle strength
• Orthopedic braces, splints, or other appliances
• Vocational counseling, occupational therapy, occupational changes, job retraining

Expectations (prognosis):

Mononeuropathy may be disabling and painful. If the cause of the nerve dysfunction can be found and successfully treated, a full recovery is possible and even likely in some cases.

The amount of disability varies from no disability to partial or complete loss of movement or sensation. Nerve pain may be uncomfortable and may last for a long time.

Complications:

• Deformity, loss of tissue mass
• Medication side effects
• Repeated or unnoticed injury to the affected area due to lack of sensation