Radial nerve injury might result to radial neuropathy. The radial nerve travels beneath the arm and responsible for controlling movement of the triceps muscles. It is responsible for extending the wrist and fingers as well as controlling sensation in one region of the hand.
The injury might be due to an infection, physical trauma or exposure to toxins. It often results to tingling, numbness or burning pain. It can also cause difficulty moving the hand, wrist or fingers and weakness. Luckily, the condition improves once the underlying cause is treated.
What are the causes?
Radial nerve injury has various possible causes such as:
- Humerus fracture
- Pressure from leaning the arm over the back of a chair
- Sleeping with the upper arm in an awkward position
- Incorrect use of crutches
- Falling on or sustaining a direct blow to the arm
- Prolonged constriction of the wrist
The objective of treatment for a radial nerve injury is to relieve the symptoms while preserving movement of the hand and wrist.
What are the indications?
A radial nerve injury generally causes symptoms in the back part of the hand, near the thumb and in the middle and index fingers.
The symptoms that might arise include:
- Burning or sharp pain
- Unusual sensations in the fingers and thumb
- Tingling and numbness
- Difficulty straightening the arm
- Difficulty in extending or straightening the wrist and fingers (wrist or finger drop)
Management of radial nerve injury
The objective of treatment for a radial nerve injury is to relieve the symptoms while preserving movement of the hand and wrist. The ideal treatment is based on the underlying cause.
In some instances, the symptoms settle steadily without requiring treatment. The doctor might prescribe medications or other therapies to manage the symptoms.
Various initial treatment options include:
- Anti-inflammatory medications or analgesics – helps relieve the pain and allow rapid healing
- Steroid injections – one cortisone shot administered into the affected area can help reduce the pain
- Anti-seizure medications or tricyclic antidepressants
- Anesthetic patches or creams – these are used to relieve the pain while still allowing movement
- Splints or braces – these can prevent re-injury to the nerve while it is healing
- Massage – helps breakdown the scar tissues and make the radial nerve more responsive
- Physical therapy – helps maintain muscular strength to allow healing and improvement of nerve function
- Acupuncture
In some cases, transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) is used to treat nerve damage. This involves the placement of several adhesive electrodes on the skin close to the affected area that deliver a gentle electric current at variable speeds.
Quick Note / Disclaimer
The material posted on this page on radial nerve injury is for learning and educational purposes only. To learn to recognize and manage nerve injuries, register for a first aid and CPR course with Toronto First Aid.