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RADIAL NERVE PALSY
Radial Nerve Palsy
Radial Nerve Palsy (also called Radial Nerve Neuropathy) occurs when pressure or entrapment occurs to the radial nerve by occurrences like a growth such as a tumor a cyst, a tight watch, or the improper use of crutches pressing under the arm. This form of palsy can also be caused by fracture or dislocations as well as cuts deep enough to sever the radial nerve.
Radial Nerve Palsy can be referred to by different names depending on how it is caused:
- Honeymoon Palsy - occurs from another person sleeping on and compressing your arm overnight
- Saturday Night Palsy - occurs from falling asleep with your arm hanging over the armrest of a chair
- Squash Palsy - occurs during a sporting event when players participate in the sport 'squash'
Symptoms of Radial Nerve Palsy
- Numbness from triceps to fingers
- Difficulty pinching and grasping
- Difficulty extending wrist and fingers
- Weakness of arm muscles
- Wrist drop
What is Wrist Drop and Why Does A Radial Nerve Injury Cause It?
Wrist drop is a condition that typically accompanies Radial Nerve Palsy. If you are suffering from wrist drop, you will be unable to extend your fingers and wrist. You will have no control over your wrist or fingers.
The main cause of wrist drop is overuse of the wrist and hands. This condition is commonly seen in athletes who play sports like tennis or badminton. It can also be seen in people who consistently lift heavy weights.
Exercises for Treating Wrist Drop
Ball Squeeze
Find a soft foam ball. Wrap all five of your fingers around the ball. Squeeze and then relax your hand. Repeat this at least fifteen times.
Rubber Band Stretch
Take a rubber band and place it around all five fingers on one hand. Stretch your fingers out as wide as you can, using the rubber band as resistance, then relax them again. Do three sets of 25 repetitions on both hands. Add extra rubber bands to create extra resistance as you build up strength in your wrist and fingers.
Hammer Rotation
You will need a hammer, wrench or similar long, thin implement for this exercise. Make sure it is not too heavy, especially if your wrists are tender or weak. Take your chosen implement in one hand and lean forward in a chair to rest that arm on your thigh. Your palm should be facing inwards then slowly turn your wrist downwards so your palm is facing the floor. Turn it back to the start position then rotate your palm upwards so it's facing the ceiling. Repeat as many times as you can on both arms.
Wrist Stretch
Sit up straight in a chair and holding one arm straight out in front of you, parallel to the floor with your palm facing down. Use your other hand to gently bend the wrist of your outstretched arm down so your fingers are pointing towards the floor. Hold for about 10 seconds then slowly release and bend the wrist up. Use your other hand to apply gentle pressure in both directions--you should feel a pull but stop immediately if you feel any pain. Repeat the exercise on your other arm.
Radial Nerve Palsy Exercises for
Treatment & Recovery
01
The Water Spout
Hold your arm out straight from your body, parallel to the floor. Then hold an empty cup in the outstretched hand and turn it upside down as if pouring out water.
02
Figure Eight
Stand leaning forward with your unaffected hand on a worktop/back of a chair for support. Swing your affected arm in a figure eight motion. When your hand comes closest to your body, face your palm outward. When your hand is farthest from your body, face your palm inward.
03
Hide and Seek
Hold elbow out away from your side. Hold arm at a 90-degree angle with your palm facing up. Rotate your forearm behind your elbow while keeping your elbow in place. Your palm should end up facing the ceiling again, but this time behind your elbow. Turn your head to look at your fingers.
04
Don't Forget to Tip
Look towards the affected side. Take your hand behind your back as if to accept a backhanded tip. Move fingers up and down.
05
The Water Pump
Hold hands in twisted position as shown. Bring hands up and down in a pumping motion.
06
Table Stretch
Keep the back of your hand flat on the table and rotate your whole body away.
07
Self-Massage
Massage your back in a circular motion. Depending on the side affected, the right hand should circle counter-clockwise, with the left hand circling clockwise.
