From the Guidelines
Treatment for brachioradialis soreness should initially focus on nonpharmacological approaches, such as physical therapy, heat/cold, and orthotics, as recommended by the American Heart Association 1. When considering treatment options, it's essential to categorize musculoskeletal symptoms as those resulting from tendonitis/bursitis, degenerative joint problems, or inflammatory joint problems.
- Initial treatment should focus on nonpharmacological approaches, including physical therapy and orthotics, to manage symptoms and improve quality of life.
- If symptoms persist, pharmacological treatments can be considered, starting with the least risky medication, such as acetaminophen or aspirin, at the lowest efficacious dose.
- It's crucial to recognize that, except for aspirin, the safety of these medications has not been conclusively demonstrated through randomized clinical trials 1. Some key considerations for managing brachioradialis soreness include:
- Rest, ice, compression, and elevation (RICE protocol) for the first 48-72 hours after injury
- Gentle stretching exercises, such as extending the arm with palm down and gently pulling the fingers toward the body
- Strengthening exercises using light weights or resistance bands, including wrist curls and reverse wrist curls
- Proper ergonomics and technique to prevent overuse from repetitive activities like typing, weightlifting, or racquet sports. If pain persists beyond 2 weeks, worsens, or is accompanied by numbness or weakness, it's essential to consult a healthcare provider for further evaluation and potential physical therapy 1.
From the Research
Treatment Options for Brachioradialis Soreness
- The available evidence does not specifically address treatment for brachioradialis soreness, but rather discusses treatment modalities for brachioradial pruritis 2 and other musculoskeletal conditions.
- Brachioradial pruritis is a rare dysesthesia syndrome that can negatively impact quality of life, and treatment modalities with the greatest number of reported successful therapeutic trials include gabapentin and tricyclic antidepressants 2.
- For musculoskeletal conditions such as osteoarthritis, tendinopathy, bursitis, or neuropathy, corticosteroid injections may provide short-term improvements in pain and range of motion, but the evidence is limited and inconsistent 3.
- A study comparing subacromial corticosteroid injection with manual physical therapy for the management of unilateral shoulder impingement syndrome found that both groups demonstrated approximately 50% improvement in symptoms, but the manual physical therapy group used less healthcare resources 4.
- A systematic review of pharmaceutical interventions for subacromial impingement syndrome found limited evidence for the effectiveness of corticosteroid injections, but moderate evidence for the effectiveness of immediate release oral ibuprofen and glyceryltrinitrate patches in the short-term 5.
- The brachioradialis muscle has been studied for its suitability for tendon transfer in tetraplegic patients, and has been found to be strong and provide excellent excursion, making it a viable option for transfer 6.