Learn About Radial Nerve Dysfunction
Radial nerve dysfunction is a problem with the radial nerve. This is the nerve that travels from the armpit down the back of the arm to the hand. It helps you move your arm, wrist, and hand.
Neuropathy - radial nerve; Radial nerve palsy; Mononeuropathy
Damage to one nerve, such as the radial nerve, is called mononeuropathy. Mononeuropathy means there is damage to a single nerve. Diseases affecting the entire body (systemic disorders) can also cause isolated nerve damage.
Causes of mononeuropathy include:
- An illness in the whole body that damages a single nerve
- Direct injury to the nerve
- Long-term pressure on the nerve
- Pressure on the nerve caused by swelling or injury of nearby body structures
Radial neuropathy occurs when there is damage to the radial nerve, which travels down the arm and controls:
- Movement of the triceps muscle at the back of the upper arm
- Ability to bend the wrist and fingers backward
- Movement of the wrist and hand
- Sensation of part of the back of the hand
When damage destroys the nerve covering (myelin sheath) or part of the nerve itself, nerve signaling is slowed or prevented.
Damage to the radial nerve can be caused by:
- Broken arm bone and other injury
- Diabetes
- Improper use of crutches leading to excess pressure in the armpit
- Lead poisoning
- Long-term or repeated constriction of the wrist (for example, from wearing a tight watch strap)
- Long-term pressure on the nerve, usually caused by swelling or injury of nearby body structures
- Pressure to the upper arm from arm positions during sleep or coma
In some cases, no cause can be found.
Symptoms may include any of the following:
- Abnormal sensations in the back and thumb side of the hand, or in the thumb, 2nd, and 3rd fingers
- Weakness, loss of coordination of the fingers
- Problem straightening the arm at the elbow
- Problem bending the hand back at the wrist, or holding the hand
- Pain, numbness, decreased sensation, tingling, or burning sensation in the areas controlled by the nerve
The goal of treatment is to allow you to use the hand and arm as much as possible. Your provider will find and treat the cause, if possible. Sometimes, no treatment is needed and you will get better on your own.
If medicines are needed, they may include:
- Over-the-counter or prescription pain medicines
- Corticosteroid injections around the nerve to reduce swelling and pressure
Your provider will likely suggest self-care measures. These may include:
- A supportive splint at either the wrist or elbow to help prevent further injury and relieve the symptoms. You may need to wear it all day and night, or only at night.
- An elbow pad if the radial nerve is injured at the elbow. Also, avoid bumping or leaning on the elbow.
- Physical therapy exercises to help maintain muscle strength in the arm.
Occupational therapy or counseling to suggest changes in the workplace may be needed.
Surgery to relieve pressure on the nerve may help if the symptoms get worse, or if there is proof that part of the nerve is wasting away.
Proliance Surgeons
Alan B. Thomas, MD, is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon who specializes in upper extremity surgery. He has been practicing medicine since 2000, and he has a special interest in arthroscopy of the wrist, elbow and shoulder. He received a CAQ subspecialty certificate in orthopedic surgery of the hand from the American Board of Orthopaedic Surgery.He enjoys the challenges of restoring people to health through his practice. His doctorate work in biochemistry opened up new approaches for treating complex problems and made him a more detailed clinician.Dr. Thomas is a former vice president of St. Clare Hospital and has served on the operating and surgical committees for St Clare Hospital and the medical executive committee for Franciscan Health at St. Josephs Medical Center. He is a chairman for an outreach committee at his church and a member of the board of directors for The Health Project – Cambodia, which delivers medical supplies and equipment to underserved people in Southeast Asia and he travels to Cambodia each year to provide surgical care to those in need.Outside of his medical practice and volunteer work, he tries to keep up with his three children who are avid skiers, wakeboarders, and surfers. Dr. Thomas is rated as an Advanced provider by MediFind in the treatment of Radial Nerve Dysfunction. His top areas of expertise are Carpal Tunnel Syndrome, Ganglion Cyst, Trigger Thumb, and Rhizarthrosis.
Summit Orthopedics
Michael Forseth, M.D., is an orthopedic surgeon at Summit Orthopedics specializing in the hand, wrist, and elbow. He has a special interest in complex reconstructive surgery and microsurgery, serving patients in the Minneapolis/St. Paul metro area. He completed his hand surgery fellowship at the University of Cincinnati, and he is a frequent recipient of the Top Doctor designation in Mpls.St.Paul Magazine. He is very involved in volunteering his surgical skills to underserved communities through One World Surgery. “Volunteering overseas, in places like Haiti, Columbia, and Honduras, continues to be a positive influence on my practice. My experiences there have broadened my perspective about what I do here—personally and professionally.”. Dr. Forseth is rated as an Advanced provider by MediFind in the treatment of Radial Nerve Dysfunction. His top areas of expertise are Carpal Tunnel Syndrome, Rhizarthrosis, Ganglion Cyst, and Tennis Elbow.
Summit Orthopedics
Kirk Scofield, M.D., C.A.Q., is an orthopedic sports medicine physician at Summit Orthopedics specializing in nonsurgical treatment of knee, shoulder, hip, foot, and ankle concerns. He has a special interest in musculoskeletal ultrasound, regenerative medicine, Tenex technology, and running/endurance injuries. He completed his fellowship in Primary Care Sports Medicine at the University of Minnesota. Dr. Scofield is also an athlete and Ironman finisher. “My training encompasses movement analysis, body mechanics, concussion management, nutrition, and cardiovascular issues related to athletes,” he says. He serves as team physician for collegiate and high school athletes, and medical provider to U.S. Olympics (marathon and endurance events). Dr. Scofield is rated as an Advanced provider by MediFind in the treatment of Radial Nerve Dysfunction. His top areas of expertise are Osteoarthritis, Tendinitis, Bursitis, and Tenosynovitis.
If the cause of the nerve dysfunction can be found and successfully treated, there is a good chance that you will fully recover. In some cases, there may be partial or complete loss of movement or sensation.
Complications may include:
- Mild to severe deformity of the hand
- Partial or complete loss of feeling in the hand
- Partial or complete loss of wrist or hand movement
- Recurrent or unnoticed injury to the hand
Contact your provider if you have an arm injury and develop numbness, tingling, pain, or weakness down the back of the arm and the thumb and your first 2 fingers.
Avoid prolonged pressure on the upper arm.
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Published Date: June 13, 2024
Published By: Joseph V. Campellone, MD, Department of Neurology, Cooper Medical School at Rowan University, Camden, NJ. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network. Also reviewed by David C. Dugdale, MD, Medical Director, Brenda Conaway, Editorial Director, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team.
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Patterson JMM, Novak CB, Mackinnon SE. Compression neuropathies. In: Wolfe SW, Pederson WC, Kozin SH, Cohen MS, eds. Green's Operative Hand Surgery. 8th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2022:chap 28.