What is radial tunnel syndrome?
Different nerves run through your arm, one of which is called your radial nerve. This nerve runs in a tunnel between a muscle called the supinator and at the top of a bone which is termed the ???radial head???. The radial nerve can become irritated as a result of compression or excess friction between the supinator and the radial head. This is termed radial tunnel syndrome.
What causes radial tunnel syndrome?
Activities that cause pressure between the supinator muscle and the radial head narrow the radial tunnel and as a result cause radial tunnel syndrome.Some ways this may occur are by:
- Repetitive and forceful; Pulling, pushing and bending the wrist, along with excessive gripping or pinching actions.
- Direct blow to the lateral, or outer part of the elbow.
- Repetitive twisting action of your forearm, such as using a screw-diver.
Above: Our physiotherpaist undertaking a hand assesment to diagnose radial tunnel syndrome.What are the symptoms of radial tunnel syndrome?
Radial tunnel syndrome may cause a range of symptoms that are similar to a condition called Tennis elbow (lateral epicondylitis). The symptoms you may experience are:
- Pain and tenderness on the outside of your elbow
- Pain that increases when you extend your wrist (bend it back) or rotate your palm upwards.
- Pain centred about 2 inches (rather than 2cm as in tennis elbow) from the bony lump on the outside of your elbow.
- Ache and quicker fatigue in your forearm muscles.
- Weakness in your forearm and wrist.
- Wrist drop – being unable to hold your wrist up.
How is a radial tunnel syndrome Diagnosed?
At Liverpool Physio our experienced physiotherapists can diagnose the source of your arm pain after a full assessment. Tests often cannot clearly tell tennis elbow and radial tunnel syndrome apart but information about your symptoms in conjunction with this will give enough information to pin point your diagnosis.
For more information on how physiotherapy can help treat radial tunnel syndrome, or to book an assessment, please email office@liverpoolphysio.co.uk or call 0151 558 0077.
What would a physiotherapy assessment for radial tunnel syndrome involve?
As explained before, radial tunnel syndrome requires a comprehensive assessment. At Liverpool Physio this assessment would be divided into two sections:
Subjective
A conversation between you and our physiotherapist to find out what the cause of your symptoms might be, how long they have been present and how your injury is affecting you and your lifestyle.
Objective
Taking into consideration your level of pain, our physiotherapist will assess the range of movement in your elbow wrist and hand, your muscle strength, sensation and carry out a series of special tests to identify the presence of the rupture.
What would physiotherapy treatment for radial tunnel syndrome?
At Liverpool Physio our physiotherapists can provide you with advice and education specific to your needs and the symptoms you are experiencing as a result of radial tunnel syndrome. Some examples of treatments you may receive in sessions include:
- Ice treatments
- Heat treatments
- Stretching
- Electrotherapy
- Advice on activity modification
- Splinting
- Exercises to strengthen muscles in your arm
How can I arrange a physiotherapy assessment for radial tunnel syndrome?
If you are experiencing pain or aching in your lower arm, one of our experienced physiotherapists would be happy to see you for an assessment. You can contact us directly to arrange an assessment and we can advise you if further treatment is recommended, or give you details on self-management for minor cases. To arrange an appointment please email office@liverpoolphysio.co.uk or call 0151 558 0077.
Summary
Radial tunnel syndrome is a condition that can cause aching, pain and tenderness on the outside of your elbow. It is important to get the right diagnosis to treat this condition appropriately. At Liverpool Physio, our physiotherapists can assess you to work out a diagnosis and treat your condition.
For more information on how physiotherapy can help treat radial tunnel syndrome, or to book an assessment, please email office@liverpoolphysio.co.uk or call 0151 558 0077.
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