Radial Tunnel Syndrome

When the radial nerve in the forearm is compressed or inflamed while traveling through a tunnel made up of muscles, bones, and ligaments, it develops a condition known as radial tunnel syndrome (RTS). This may result in a reduced range of motion, pain, and weakness in the hand, wrist, and forearm.

Radial tunnel syndrome can cause wrist or hand weakness as well as a dull pain or burning feeling in the forearm, wrist, or hand. Later on in this blog, we’ll discuss further symptoms. Rest and avoiding activities that make the condition worse are often part of treatment, along with physiotherapy and anti-inflammatory drugs. Surgery can be required in more severe circumstances to release pressure on the radial nerve.

Causes of Radial tunnel syndrome

1. Repetitive motions: Radial tunnel syndrome can result from repeatedly using your wrist and forearm in activities like typing or using a computer mouse.
2. Trauma: Radial nerve swelling or compression may result from direct arm trauma or injury, such as a fracture.
3. Muscle or ligament strain: Radial tunnel syndrome can result from straining the forearm muscles or ligaments, which places pressure on the radial nerve.
4. Anatomical abnormalities: Radial tunnel syndrome can be brought on by certain anatomical anomalies, such as a cyst or tumor, which impose pressure on the radial nerve.
5. Arthritis: Inflammation and compression of the radial nerve can be brought on by arthritis in the wrist or elbow.
6. Poor posture: Muscle imbalances brought on by bad posture might put more strain on the radial nerve.
7. Systemic conditions: Radial tunnel syndrome risk might be raised by certain systemic disorders including diabetes or thyroid disease.

Symptoms:

Numerous symptoms in the forearm, wrist, and hand are possible with radial tunnel syndrome. Some common signs and symptoms of radial tunnel syndrome include:

1. Pain: Forearm pain, particularly on the outside, is the most typical sign of radial tunnel syndrome. The discomfort can be described as a throbbing or dull aching.
2. Weakness: Forearm, wrist, and hand weakness can be brought on by radial tunnel syndrome. This may make it challenging to hold objects or carry out daily activities.
3. Tingling or numbness: Forearm, wrist, and hand tingling or numbness can be brought on by radial tunnel syndrome. There can be a “pins and needles” feeling in addition to this.
4. Swelling: Radial tunnel syndrome occasionally results in forearm swelling.
5. Tenderness: Especially on the outside of the forearm, the affected area may be sensitive to touch.
6. Difficulty rotating the forearm: Rotating the forearm can be challenging for those with radial tunnel syndrome, especially when rotating the palm upward.

Physiotherapy treatment of Radial tunnel syndrome:

In mild to moderate cases of radial tunnel syndrome, physiotherapy can be a successful treatment. A personalized treatment plan can be created by a physiotherapist and could contain the following:

1. Stretching exercises: The muscles and tendons that surround the radial nerve can become more flexible and less tense with stretching exercises. Such as-
   • Wrist flexor stretch: Start by reaching out your arm in front of you, palm down. Use the other hand to gently bring your fingers back towards your wrist until you feel a stretch in your forearm, . Holding this stretch for 20–30 seconds, switch to the other arm, and repeat.
   • Wrist extensor stretch: Start by reaching out your arm in front of you, palm facing down. Use your other hand to gently push your fingers down towards the floor until you feel a stretch in your forearm, . Holding this stretch for 20–30 seconds, switch to the other arm, and repeat.
2. Strengthening exercises: Forearm, wrist, and hand strengthening exercises can aid to increase forearm stability and function. This may reduce the chance of further damage and enhance overall function. Such as-
   • Wrist curls: With your palm facing up, hold a light dumbbell or weight in your hand. Allow your hand to hang over the edge of a table or bench as you sit down. Curl your wrist slowly upward towards your body, then slowly downward again. 10-15 repetitions should be repeated, then switch to the other arm.
   • Reverse wrist curls: With your palm down, hold a light dumbbell or weight in your hand. Allow your hand to hang over the edge of a table or bench as you sit down. Curl your wrist slowly upward towards your body, then slowly downward again. 10-15 repetitions should be repeated, then switch to the other arm.
   • Grip strengthening exercises: For 10 to 15 seconds, firmly clutch a soft rubber ball or other grip-enhancer in your hand, then let go. After 10 to 15 repetitions, switch to the opposite hand.
   • Forearm planks: Start out in a push-up position, then drop yourself down on your forearms. For 20–30 seconds, maintain this posture; then, relax. Repeat three to five times.
3. Soft tissue mobilization: Myofascial release and other soft tissue mobilization treatments, such as massage, can aid in easing tension and enhancing blood flow to the injured area. Also, you can use the foam roller to release forearm muscles.
4. Kinesiology tape: Applying kinesiology tape will stabilize and support the injured area while also easing pain while improving the range of motion.
5. Dry needling: Thin needles are inserted into specific body sites during dry needling. Radial tunnel syndrome is one among the many conditions for which it can aid in pain relief and promote healing.
6. Ultrasound therapy: High-frequency sound waves are used in ultrasound therapy to enhance healing and reduce inflammation in the affected area.
7. TENS therapy: By stimulating the nerves in the injured area, transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) therapy can help alleviate pain and speed up healing.
8. Ergonomic assessment: A physiotherapist can evaluate your workplace and offer suggestions for modifying your workstation or work habits to lower the chance of suffering additional injuries.