The radial nerve controls movement and feeling in parts of the arm and hand. The radial nerve begins in the neck, travels down the arm, and ends in the fingers. At the elbow, the radial nerve passes through a tunnel, which is surrounded by tendons, muscles and bone.

Radial tunnel syndrome is caused by swelling or scarring of the structures that make up the radial tunnel. The tunnel becomes too small, and the sides of the tunnel place pressure against the nerve. Pressure against the nerve causes pain, numbness, tingling, and muscle weakness in the forearm and hand.

Causes of radial tunnel syndrome include:

• Tendinitis
• Elbow injury
• Occupational injury
• Sports injury
• Repetitive use of the elbow
• Rheumatoid arthritis