Regular aches and pains come and go as we age – it’s just a fact of life! Sometimes, the best and only things to do are at-home remedies, such as baths, massage and rest. However, the problem could be chronic, and if properly diagnosed, it could be treated effectively to lessen your pain. Read on below to see if any of these symptoms or circumstances apply to you.
What is Radial Tunnel Syndrome?
Radial Tunnel Syndrome, also known as Radial Nerve Entrapment, it is a condition involving the radial nerve in the forearm area of the body. Statistically, this condition is most common in women with the age of 30 to 50 years old, although people of many demographics can experience it. Essentially, the radial nerve is being compressed in at least one of five locations along the forearm, which causes various degrees of agony for the sufferer.
This is not as much an injury-based issue as it is a result of continuous or repeated motions over a long period of time that have aggravated the area. It could be something like the actions you perform at your workplace (think typing or factory work) or your workout routine.
What are Common Symptoms of RTS?
Generally, a person with RTS will complain of a nagging, mild pain at the top of their forearm while they are using their arm. This dull pain can vary from patient to patient and is caused by pressure – by body fluid, the shifting of ligaments or tendons, or a repetitive use injury – on the radial nerve. While it’s most common nearer to the elbow, people with RTS can also experience pain in their wrist and/or hand. Symptoms generally come on gradually, starting with mild discomfort and grow into more consistent and acute pain throughout the day and night. As the months and years continue, the inflammation – and therefore the pain – will only increase.
How Do You Treat It?
One of the primary courses of action is restricting the movement of the wrist, and a common way to achieve that is by using a splint throughout the day and night. You can get a simple splint at most drugstores or pharmacies, or you could ask your primary care physician to prescribe you one.
Receiving injections of or orally taking a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAID) is also a common course of treatment.
Various rehabilitation exercises and physical therapy sessions are a good, holistic approach to your treatment and care.
Call POSMC today!
To schedule an appointment with one our specialists, contact our scheduling department at 972-250-5700 or request an appointment online.
POSMC is a full-service medical facility specializing in the evaluation and treatment of orthopedic injuries. The practice is led by a group of 12 board-certified and fellowship-trained orthopedic surgeons and a physical medicine and rehabilitation physician. Contact us today!