What is radial tunnel syndrome?

Radial tunnel syndrome is a condition in which a nerve in the forearm is squeezed, narrowed, or flattened (compressed), causing elbow pain and weakness of the wrist or hand. But unlike other nerve problems affecting the hand, radial tunnel syndrome does not cause a loss of sensation, such as numbness or tingling.

Repetitive activity and injury are the most common causes of radial tunnel syndrome. It is sometimes misdiagnosed as tennis elbow, because both conditions cause pain on the outside (lateral) part of the elbow.

Treatment for this nerve entrapment syndrome includes rest, stretching, anti-inflammatory medicines, and sometimes surgery.

Radial tunnel syndrome is also called posterior interosseous nerve syndrome.