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By Prodyut Das
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 Radial Tunnel Syndrome - What It Is And

What You Can Do About It?
What Is Radial Tunnel Syndrome?
Radial Tunnel Syndrome also known
as Supinator Syndrome is a condition post written by Anne
which affects the forearms and Cave, United Kingdom
elbows. It is often confused with its
better-known relative, Carpal Tunnel
Syndrome, but the two are distinct enough to warrant differing diagnoses.
While Carpal Tunnel Syndrome affects the median nerve in the wrist, Radial
Tunnel Syndrome affects the radial nerve which runs down the forearm from
the elbow. The condition causes pain - sometimes intense - and a weak
sensation in the arms, radiating out into the hands. It is found most
 commonly in women aged between 30 and 50, but can affect anyone if the
right conditions are met.

Why is it confused with lateral epicondylitis?

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The radial tunnel is about 2 inches in length, extending proximally from the
capitellum of the humerus, between the brachioradialis and brachialis, and
distally through the supinator muscle. The radial nerve may become
entrapped in this tunnel, resulting in persistent pain around the lateral
epicondyle and an aching sensation in the extensor and/or supinator muscle
mass distal to the lateral epicondyle. Tennis elbow straps may increase
symptoms because of increased pressure compression over the radial
tunnel.

What Causes Radial Tunnel Syndrome?

Radial Tunnel Syndrome is caused by
compression of the radial nerve. The Isolated neuropathy of the
radial nerve, which runs down the superficial radial nerve can be
length of the forearm, can be pinched caused by entrapment and is
at any point, but this happens most known as Wartenberg’s syndrome,
commonly at the ‘tunnel’ through whereas external compression of
the same sensory branch is known
which it runs at your elbow.
as wristwatch neuropathy or
Consistent pinching of the nerve can
bracelet neuropathy. 
cause the syndrome to occur. People
at risk of developing the condition
include those who frequently twist
their wrists and forearms (those who play racquet sports, for example), and
those who spend long hours leaning on their elbows and forearms. The
nerve can also be compressed by swellings in the arm, such as may be
caused by obesity, ganglion cysts, or inflammation. Diabetes is also known to
contribute to Radial Tunnel Syndrome in some cases.

What Are The Symptoms Of Radial Tunnel

Syndrome?
Usually, this syndrome causes a persistent dull ache at the top of the
forearm, around and just below the elbow. However, this can spread right
 down the forearm, and into the back of the hand or the wrist. When the
fingers or the wrist are straightened, the pain may become piercing, or
‘stabbing’. There may also be a degree of unexpected weakness in the
affected arm and hand, which (again) becomes most evident when
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straightening the wrist and fingers (Radial Tunnel Syndrome Test).

Radial Tunnel Syndrome Test

What Can Be Done About It?

Doctors may prescribe painkillers and anti-inflammatories to deal with the
immediate symptoms of the condition. However, if you feel that you can
manage the condition without taking strong painkillers, it is always better for
your health to do so. The condition is more irritating than dangerous, and
often sorts itself out over time. However, the healing process can be helped
along through the use of things like splints to reduce the strain on the nerve.
If the nerve is seriously inflamed, your doctor may decide to give you steroid
injections in order to combat this. If there are other underlying conditions
associated with the syndrome, eliminating or managing these will help a
great deal with the radial tunnel issues. Diabetes, for example, is sometimes
a contributory factor in the condition. Managing or eradicating the patient’s
diabetes will improve the situation in the affected arm. However, one of the
best solutions to the problem is using exercises which will not only alleviate
the problem in the short term, but defend against it in the long term.
 Radial Nerve ossing Exercises - Great Results …

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Exercises For Radial Tunnel Syndrome

Stretches
Some suggest that muscle tightness can increase pressure upon the affected
nerve. A simple stretch in which the arm is extended down the length of the
body, the wrist is rotated outwards, and the fingertips are placed against the
thighs (palm down) will stretch out the nerve and the muscles around it. One
can also place the palm against a wall (fingertips down, arm extended) at
shoulder height, if the stretch needs modifying.

Nerve Gliding
Directed nerve glides can help to loosen the nerve and its surrounds, as well
as increasing blood and oxygen flow to the affected area (which will help
with cramping). A simple glide involves dropping the hands to the sides,
palms to the back. Lower the shoulder of the affected arm gently, and slowly
rotate the wrist until the palm is facing the ceiling. Should the glide need
increasing, the head can be dropped towards the opposite shoulder.

Manual Therapies
 Not a lot of work has been done into
the efficacy of things like massage to
improve Radial Tunnel Syndrome, but it
may be effective in some cases.
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Strengthening
Learning to use the arm in a way which
does not compress the nerve is very
useful indeed, but it may also help to
strengthen the arm’s own internal
support systems. There are many
exercises which can improve the
muscles and tendons of the forearm -
precisely which ones should be used
depends a lot on the severity of the
syndrome and the general condition of
the patient. Choosing exercises should,
in this case, be left to the discretion of
physiotherapist.

Similar Pages

Lateral Epicondylitis

Medial
Epicondylitis

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome Pinched Nerve In

Shoulder
 References
Focal Entrapment Neuropathies in Diabetes-
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http://care.diabetesjournals.org/content/27/7/1783.full
America’s Painful Love Affair with Painkillers-
http://www.rehabs.com/pro-talk-
articles/americas-painful-love-affair-with-
painkillers/
THE RADIAL NERVE-
http://teachmeanatomy.info/upper-
limb/nerves/the-radial-nerve/
Radial-Tunnel-Syndrome-
https://my.clevelandclinic.org/services/orthopaedics-
rheumatology/diseases-conditions/hic-radial-
tunnel-syndrome
Radial-Tunnel-Syndrome, Diagnostic and
Treatment Dilemma-
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4507067/
Carpal tunnel syndrome-
http://www.nhs.uk/conditions/carpal-tunnel-
syndrome/Pages/Whatisit.aspx

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