Table of contents:
- Definition
- What is radial neuropathy?
- How common is radial neuropathy?
- Signs & symptoms
- What are the signs and symptoms of radial neuropathy?
- When should I see a doctor?
- Cause
- What are the causes of radial neuropathy
- Risk factors
- What increases my risk for radial neuropathy?
- Medicines & Medicines
- What are my treatment options for radial neuropathy?
- What are the usual tests for radial neuropathy?
- Home remedies
- What are some lifestyle changes or home remedies that can be used to treat radial neuropathy?
Definition
What is radial neuropathy?
Radial neuropathy is inflammation of a nerve due to a pinched nerve, usually in front of the lower elbow, or upper forearm. The radial nerves in the arm help the muscles of the forearm, forearm, wrist, and fingers move the arms and fingers, and provide sensation to certain hands and fingers.
The symptoms of neuropathy, the causes of neuropathy, and neuropathic medications, are described in more detail below.
How common is radial neuropathy?
All ages, genders, and races can develop radial neuropathy. People with arm injuries, kidney disease, and diabetes are prone to this condition. You can reduce your chances of getting this disease by reducing risk factors. Discussion with doctor for more information.
Signs & symptoms
What are the signs and symptoms of radial neuropathy?
Radial neuropathy signs and symptoms may include:
- Abnormal sensation in the hand or forearm (“back” of the hand), “side of the thumb” (radial surface) of the hand, or the fingers closest to the thumb (second and third fingers)
- Difficulty straightening the arm at the elbow
- Difficulty bending your hand behind your wrist, or holding your hand
- Numbness, decreased sensation, tingling, or burning sensation
- Pain
There may be other symptoms that are not listed. If you have questions about signs of illness, consult a doctor.
When should I see a doctor?
If you have any signs or symptoms above or have any questions, consult your doctor. Every body acts differently from one another. Discuss with your doctor to find the best solution for your condition.
Cause
What are the causes of radial neuropathy
The specific causes of radial neuropathy are:
- Arm fractures and other injuries
- Wrong use of crutches
- Repetitive constriction of the wrist (for example, from wearing a watch that is too tight)
- Long-term pressure on the nerves, usually due to inflammation or injury to nearby body structures
- Pressure from hanging your arms behind a chair (for example, falling asleep in that position)
- Pressure on the upper arm during sleep or coma
Risk factors
What increases my risk for radial neuropathy?
Certain factors may increase your risk of radial neuropathy:
- frequent arm injuries
- Kidney illness
- diabetes
Having no risk doesn't mean you can't get sick. The above risk factors are for reference only. Discuss with a specialist for more details.
Medicines & Medicines
The information provided is not a substitute for medical advice. ALWAYS consult your doctor.
What are my treatment options for radial neuropathy?
The goal of treatment is to allow you to move your hands and arms freely. The doctor or nurse must find the cause and treat it as much as possible. In some cases, there is no need for treatment and you can slowly recover.
However, in more severe injuries, the nerve fibers in the injury die, and those that are left need to send out a sprout to replace the missing piece. Nerve regeneration is slow, and complete recovery may never occur. The pressure source must be removed. Physical therapy and splints help restore hand function. Until the damaged nerve fibers reconnect with the muscle fibers, the most useful exercise is passive distance training.
If other treatments have not worked, or there are other problems, surgery may be considered. Surgery can release the nerve from the part that's attached to the forearm or it can reattach the nerve endings.
What are the usual tests for radial neuropathy?
The doctor can make a diagnosis by examining the arm, hand, and fingers and possibly performing an ultrasound. In addition, the doctor may also use the following tests:
- X-ray
- MRI
- EMG: tests the electrical activity of muscles.
- Nerve conduction studies can tell how nerves work and help find pressure points.
Home remedies
What are some lifestyle changes or home remedies that can be used to treat radial neuropathy?
The following lifestyle and home remedies may help treat radial neuropathy:
- Eat a healthy diet. Consumption of various types of vitamins can help restore nerves.
- Avoid alcohol. Alcohol can cause injury and poison nerves.
- Consider nerve stimulation of the muscles on examination of the skin.
- Follow the instructions of your doctor and physical therapist.
If you have any questions, consult your doctor for the best solution to your problem.
