A pinched nerve in the forearm may manifest itself through pain or numbness in the forearm, hand, and even the biceps. Tingling may occur, and motor control may be lost to some extent within the arm. Several nerves run through the arms, so a pinched nerve may cause different kinds of pain depending on which nerve is pinched. Pinched nerves occur when a nerve becomes compressed due to tightness in the muscles, degradation of the joints, or inflammation of tendons or bursae anywhere in the body. When any of these conditions exist in the arms, shoulders, or neck, pain may be felt in the arms.
Pain in the arms may not be caused by a pinched nerve in the forearm at all. The nerve can become compressed anywhere along its length, and pain can occur in locations other than the site of the compression. The most common symptoms are sharp pain in the forearm, wrist, or hands, numbness, tingling, and even a loss of motor control in more serious instances. If the latter occurs, it is important to seek medical attention immediately, as a larger problem may be occurring. In many cases, nerve pain can be alleviated with stretching, stress reduction, and regular exercise.
A pinched nerve in the forearm, like other types of nerve pain, is often a symptom of a larger problem within the body. The nerve may become compressed, for example, due to degradation of a joint as a result of some types of arthritis. If nerve pain occurs in the forearm, a medical professional may choose to examine the joints in the upper body, including the wrist, elbow, and shoulder, for arthritis or other conditions that may lead to deformities or degradation of the joint. Inflammation can also cause a pinched nerve, and a medical professional may prescribe anti-inflammatory medications to help alleviate the pressure and therefore relieve the pain.
If a sufferer loses motor control, or if he or she loses feeling in the forearm or entire limb, the nerve pain may be an indicator of a very serious problem. Tumors may be pressing on the nerve, and a medical professional will need to perform a biopsy to determine if the tumor is malignant or benign. Other conditions can lead to serious neurological issues, and extensive testing may be necessary to find the cause and begin treating it. Surgery may be necessary to repair damaged nerves in more severe cases.
