About Radial Nerve injury
What is Radial Nerve Injury?
Radial nerve injury refers to damage to the radial nerve, which is located in the upper arm. This nerve controls the triceps muscle and helps extend the wrist and fingers. It also provides sensation in part of the hand. The radial nerve is close to the bone in the upper arm, so it is vulnerable to injury, especially if the arm breaks. There are varying degrees of nerve damage:
Neurapraxia, a first-degree injury, is the least serious classification.
Axonotmesis refers to a second, third, or fourth-degree injury.
Neurotmesis, a fifth-degree injury, is the most severe form of nerve damage.
Injury to the radial nerve can lead to radial nerve palsy. Symptoms of radial nerve injury and resulting palsy include pain, weakness in the wrist, hand, or fingers, and loss of function in the wrist, hand, or fingers.
The most common causes of radial nerve damage are breaking your arm, overusing your arm, and sports and work accidents. Depending on the level of injury, you may experience a complete laceration of the radial nerve. This occurs when the nerve is severed. It can cause symptoms that are similar to minor injuries. A nerve laceration usually requires surgical repair. As the radial nerve moves back and forth over the bones of your wrist and forearm, there’s potential for the nerve to become trapped, pinched, or strained from these activities.
Fracturing the humerus (a bone in the upper arm)
Sleeping with the upper arm in an awkward position
Pressure from leaning the arm over the back of a chair
Using crutches improperly
Falling on or receiving a blow to the arm
Long-term constriction of the wrist
What are the Symptoms of Radial Nerve Injury?
Radial nerve injury, also known as radial nerve palsy, is a condition that results from damage to the radial nerve in the upper arm. The radial nerve controls the triceps muscle, helps extend the wrist and fingers, and provides sensation in part of the hand. When this nerve is damaged, it can lead to a variety of symptoms. The most common symptoms of radial nerve injury include:
Pain: This can be a sharp or burning pain, as well as unusual sensations in your thumb and fingers.
Weakness: This is often experienced in the wrist, hand, or fingers.
Loss of Function: This refers to difficulty moving your wrist, hand, or fingers.
Numbness and Tingling: These sensations are often experienced in the back of your hand, near your thumb, and in your index and middle fingers.
Wrist Drop or Finger Drop: This is a condition where you can’t extend or straighten your wrist and fingers. It doesn’t occur in all cases.
These symptoms can range from mild to severe, depending on the extent of the nerve damage. It’s important to consult with a healthcare provider if you notice any of these symptoms, as early intervention can improve the prognosis.
Radial Nerve Repair Surgery
In most cases of radial nerve injury, patients will recover within 3 months of starting treatment. But in cases of torn or lacerated nerve, surgery may be required. In the case of radial nerve entrapment, surgery can relieve pressure on the nerve. Also, surgery may be needed to remove a benign tumor on the radial nerve. Surgery tries to repair any damage to the nerve. Patients will need to wear a brace or splint after surgery to allow the hand to heal. Some may even need physical therapy to restore their range of motion and strength.