07/14/2020
CONDITION OF THE WEEK: WHAT IS RADIAL NERVE PALSY?
Background: The radial nerve is a nerve that travels down each arm and helps control movement and sensation of the arm, wrist and hand. Palsy is a word to describe a paralysis. When the radial nerve becomes compressed or damaged, what can result is referred to as radial nerve or ‘Saturday night' palsy.
Radial nerve palsy is a clinical condition caused by overuse or trauma to the wrist or arm. When the radial nerve becomes trapped or strained it can lead to injury of the nerve. Over time this can result in numbness, tingling, sharp or burning pain in your thumb and fingers.
These symptoms typically occur on one side of the body and can lead to the inability to extend your arm, wrist or fingers from a straightened position. When this occurs it is known as wrist drop. Common causes of radial nerve palsy are fracture to the bone in your upper arm, prolonged use of crutches, unintentional constriction of your wrist after drug or alcohol intoxication and mechanical torsion of the nerve through repetitive activities at work or in sport. In other cases, it can be due to lead poisoning, thiamin deficiency, kidney disease and diabetes.
If you’re experiencing wrist or elbow pain, consult a health care professional, including your chiropractor to assess your individual needs and identify the best course of action for you.
References:
1.) DeCastro A, Keefe P. Wrist Drop [Internet, updated May 16, 2020]. StatPearls Publishing. Retrieved July 13, 2020, from https://www.ncbi.com.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK532993/
2.) Bumbasirevic M, Palibrk T, Lesix A, Atkinson HDE. Radial nerve palsy. EOR. 2016. Volume 1: 286-294.
3.) Han BR, Cho YJ, Yang JS, Kang SH, Choi HJ. Clinical features of wrist drop caused by compressive radial neuropathy and its anatomical considerations. J Korean Neurosurg Soc. 2014. 55 (3): 148-151.
4.) Injury of Radial Nerve [Web log post]. Healthline. Retrieved July 13, 2020, from https://www.healthline.com/health/radial-nerve-dysfunction