Radial Tunnel, Posterior Interosseous, and Cubital Tunnel Syndrome
These conditions have a few things in common. They are neuropathies triggered by a pinched or compressed nerve. Radial tunnel and posterior interosseous syndrome cause lateral elbow pain. Also, their treatment is almost the same. It includes:
- Activity modifications: Overhead handwork is usually the main trigger of this type of neuropathy. Thus, doctors will ask patients about their job activities and the type of sports they practice to see if any activity modification is recommended.
- Splinting: Immobilization is also important to treat this condition. However, in this case, braces will not be enough, and patients may need splinting with their forearms in a specific position called forearm supination with wrist extension. This position is ideal to free the nerve from compression. Here’s a difference between cubital tunnel syndrome and the rest because, in this case, night splinting is recommended to maintain the arm in extension.
- Physical therapy: Stretching and strengthening exercises are also recommended in this case. However, physical therapy should also consider ergonomics in the working space and at home. In cubital tunnel syndrome, physical therapy usually focuses on nerve gliding exercises.
- Surgery: Sometimes, the affected nerve is compressed by another structure that does not improve with conservative therapy. Thus, surgical decompression is recommended after imaging studies of the affected area when symptoms do not respond to conservative treatment. In cubital tunnel syndrome, symptoms should improve with conservative therapy after four to six months. Surgery is considered an option if the pain does not improve after this time.