What Are the Symptoms of Elbow Nerve Pain and How Can It Be Treated?

Multiple nerves run through or near the elbow, rather than a single "elbow nerve." When these nerves become irritated or injured, you may feel tingling or "pins and needles" sensations, along with numbness or weakness in your hand or forearm. Pain often occurs at the elbow, particularly when leaning on it or keeping your arm bent for extended periods. The main nerves that can be affected are the ulnar nerve (running from neck to fingers), the median nerve (controlling hand movement and sensation), and the radial nerve (controlling arm and wrist movement). Compression or damage to any of these nerves can cause various types of discomfort. Doctors typically start with simple treatments to relieve the pain. These include resting your arm, applying ice to reduce swelling, and wearing an elbow splint or brace to protect the joint. Physical therapy exercises may also help improve strength and mobility. If these conservative treatments don't provide relief, your doctor might recommend surgery to decompress the affected nerve. This gradual approach helps manage symptoms and restore arm function.