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The radial nerve supplies nerves to the forearm and the extensor compartment of the arm, including the triceps brachii muscle. Injury or dysfunction can cause pain, numbness, and difficulty extending the wrist or elbow. Treatment options vary depending on the cause and severity of the dysfunction.
The radial nerve is a nerve found in the human arm. This is the nerve responsible for supplying nerves to the forearm and the posterior compartment of the arm, also called the extensor compartment. This compartment contains muscles that are supplied by the radial nerve. This nerve also enters the arm bone known as the humerus.
The triceps brachii is the main muscle supplied by this nerve. Other muscles are supplied, at least in part, by this nerve. The triceps brachii is a large muscle with three heads located at the back of the upper arm. This is the muscle that allows you to straighten your arm.
The radial nerve begins in the structure known as the brachial plexus. This is a network of nerve fibers that travel from the spine and in the neck to the armpit region and then up the arm. The brachial plexus is responsible for providing nerve supply to the muscles and skin of the arm.
Due to the importance of this nerve to the human body, injury involving this nerve has the potential to impair normal sensory and motor function, particularly involving the arm. The humerus is the bone found in the upper arm. When the nerve inserts itself into this bone, a fracture can lead to nerve damage.
Prolonged pressure on this nerve can also cause injury or dysfunction. Some causes of this pressure include wearing a band that is too tight or sleeping in a position that constricts the nerve. A medical condition known as ischemia can also hamper proper nerve function. Ischemia causes improper blood flow to the nerve and surrounding areas.
Some symptoms that may indicate a nerve dysfunction involving the radial nerve include pain or numbness, particularly in the hand, or difficulty trying to extend the wrist or elbow. Abnormal sensations such as tingling or pins and needles sensations may also be present. Each of these symptoms must be reported to a doctor to get a proper diagnosis.
Treatment for nerve dysfunction depends on the cause and individual responses to treatment options. Often, the only treatment needed is to change the actions or positions that lead to the onset of symptoms. In other cases, medications are prescribed in an attempt to reduce the pain or swelling associated with the nerve dysfunction. Physical therapy or appliances such as braces or splints often reduce symptoms and speed the healing process. Only in rare cases is surgery needed to repair the nerve or surrounding tissue.
