Radial Tunnel Syndrome and
Saturday Night Palsy
RADIAL NERVE SYMPTOMS - What does it feel like?
It depends on where the Radial nerve is pinched. The two most common Radial Nerve problems are the Radial Tunnel Syndrome and the Saturday Night Palsy.
Here is a list of the most common symptoms for each.
You wake up one morning, and you can't pull your wrist, thumb and fingers back (to open your hand), some people call "drop wrist" - but you can bend your wrist and make a fist.
There may be tingling or numbness over the back (nail side) of your hand, especially over your thumb and index (pointer) finger.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Why does Saturday Night Palsy happen?
It's usually a result of sleeping on your arm. It gets the name Saturday Night Palsy because it happens often to people who party too hearty the night before and fall asleep in a chair. Normally you move around in your sleep. After too much to drink, you sometimes don't move as much and you put constant pressure on the nerve.
Will it get worse and can I wait too long to get help?
You should get it checked. Most of the time it will get better but it could be more severe and for that reason you should seek attention.
Where can I get checked? What tests do I need?
You can get checked at your local ER or call your family doctor. Feel free to give us a call and explain to us what you are experiencing.
Most of the time you just need to be examined by someone who knows a lot about nerve problems. If your problem continues beyond two weeks, we suggest that you have electromyography and nerve conduction studies studies performed to be sure where the problem is and how bad it may be.
What can I do to help?
Most important, if it started after a "party-too-hearty" situation, stop it. If the nerve problem is more severe and the weakness persists, you may need to have wrist and finger supports to protect your muscles from getting stretched. These splints also help you use your hand better as you wait for recovery. We recommend custom splints made to fit your hand.
There is a wide range of how this can bother you. Here are the most common.
Aching and pain over the back of your forearm just below the the outside part of your elbow.
Sometimes a deep aching feeling in the wrist.
It hurts in your forearm when you grab something or twist something like a wrench or screwdriver.
There usually is no numbness or tingling.
It can cause weakness - you can't lift your fingers and thumb back (to open your hand).
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Why does Radial Tunnel Syndrome happen?
The radial nerve goes through a small natural tunnel between the muscles in the upper portion of your forearm. Sometimes the the nerve gets compressed or irritated as it enters or goes through the tunnel.
It often follows forceful use of the forearm muscles, especially those muscles used to twist and turn the forearm.
Will it get worse and can I wait too long to get help?
It can get worse. It usually starts with pain in the part of the forearm close to the outside part of the elbow. It can progress and cause weakness in raising the wrist and opening the fingers and thumb.
How do I get it checked? What tests do I need?
It should be checked by someone who understands nerves, muscles and tendons. Hand surgeons, orthopedic surgeons and physical therapists who specialize in hands and nerves are good sources of help.
Can other problems feel the same?
Yes, often the Radial Tunnel Syndrome is treated as a tendinitis - especially "tennis elbow". The precise examination by a well trained health care professional can distinguish between these two problems. Problems in your neck can also feel similar.
What can I do to help?
When possible, avoid activity that requires strenuous grasping while twisting and turning your forearm.
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