Health Dictionary
Reliable, easy-to-read patient information on common medical conditions — written in plain language, free of jargon, and grounded in current evidence. Browse the most frequent diagnoses, understand what they mean for everyday life, and learn which steps and questions help you have a focused conversation with your doctor.
Wrist drop medical therapy
Introduction
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Overview
Overview
The goal of treatment is to allow you to use the hand and arm as much as possible. The health care provider should find and treat the cause, if possible. In some cases, no treatment is needed and you will recover slowly on your own. Initial management includes splinting of the wrist for support along with occupational or physical therapy. Medical causes such as diabetes and kidney disease should be treated.
Medical Therapy
Medical Therapy
Medications may include:
- Over-the-counter analgesics or prescription pain medications to control pain (neuralgia)
- Anticonvulsant medicines (phenytoin, carbamazepine, gabapentin, and pregabalin) or tricyclic antidepressants (amitriptyline) to reduce stabbing pain
- Steroid (prednisone) injections around the nerve to reduce swelling may help some patients.
Whenever possible, avoid or minimize your use of medications to reduce the risk of side effects.
Other treatments include:
- Braces, splints, or other appliances to help you use the hand in severe cases
- Physical therapy to help maintain muscle strength
Occupational therapy and vocational therapy or counseling to suggest changes at the worksite may be needed.
Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]; Cafer Zorkun, M.D., Ph.D. [2]