Radial nerve damage can be caused by pressure, inflammation, or medical conditions. Symptoms include numbness, tingling, and difficulty moving the arm or wrist. Treatment includes medication, physical therapy, and surgery in severe cases.
The radial nerve is found in the arm and helps control muscle movement and also allows the wrist to move backwards. This nerve can be damaged by things like putting too much pressure on it while sleeping, using crutches, or from a broken bone in your arm. The most common symptoms of radial nerve damage include numbness or a tingling sensation that travels through the area where the nerve is located. Treatment often involves the use of medications and physical therapy, but surgery may be required in severe cases.
Most radial nerve damage can be traced to abnormal pressure placed on the nerve, especially in long-term situations. This is particularly common due to the position of the arm during sleep. If nearby structures are inflamed or swollen, pressure can be placed on the nerve due to the inflammation. Some medical conditions, including diabetes, kidney disease, or multiple sclerosis, can also cause nerve damage, but in many cases, the direct cause is never found.
Abnormal sensations, such as numbness and tingling in the arm and hand, are common symptoms of radial nerve damage. It may also become difficult to bend the arm at the elbow or wrist. Many patients also experience varying degrees of pain.
Treatment for radial nerve damage often includes physical therapy or low-range-of-motion exercises, although many cases resolve on their own without any specific treatment. Over-the-counter medications, such as aspirin or ibuprofen, can also be used to reduce inflammation and treat pain. Stronger medications are often prescribed by a doctor if over-the-counter medications don’t provide enough relief. If the damage is caused by an underlying medical condition, such as kidney disease, that condition also needs to be treated.
In severe cases, or if other types of treatment have not provided sufficient relief, surgery may be required. If medical tests such as X-rays reveal a mass pressing on the nerve, surgery may be done to remove it. Surgery to cut the nerve is rarely done due to the risks of paralysis after surgery. The use of medications, supportive devices such as splints, and physical therapy are typically the preferred treatment methods for radial nerve damage.
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