Treatment:

The goal of treatment is to maximize your ability to use the hand and arm. The health care provider should find and treat the cause appropriately. In most cases, no treatment is needed and you will recover slowly on your own.

Surgery to remove masses that press on the nerve may help.

CONTROL OF SYMPTOMS

Medications may include:

• Over-the-counter analgesics or prescription pain medications to control pain (neuralgia)
• Phenytoin, carbamazepine, or tricyclic antidepressants (amitriptyline) to reduce stabbing pain
• Steroids (prednisone) to reduce swelling

Whenever possible, avoid or minimize your use of medications to reduce the risk of side effects.

Other treatments include:

• Braces, splints, or other appliances to help you use the hand in severe cases
• Physical therapy to help maintain muscle strength

Occupational therapy, or job counseling, changes, or retraining may be recommended as appropriate.

Expectations (prognosis):

If the cause of the nerve dysfunction can be found and successfully treated, there is a possibility that you will fully recover. Disability can range from none to partial or complete loss of movement or sensation.

Nerve pain may be uncomfortable and may last for a long period of time. If this occurs, see a pain specialist to ensure you have access to all pain treatment options.

Complications:

• Mild to severe deformity of the hand
• Partial or complete loss of feeling in the hand
• Partial or complete loss of wrist or hand movement
• Recurrent or unnoticed injury to the hand

Calling your health care provider:

Call your health care provider if you have had an injury to the arm, and you develop numbness, tingling, or weakness.