Radial Tendinitis

Radial tendinitis, more commonly called radial tunnel syndrome, occurs when a nerve is squeezed in the radial tunnel, which is located near the elbow. This is a repetitive strain injury typically associated with athletes. Symptoms of radial tunnel syndrome are similar to that of tennis elbow, making it difficult to diagnose.

Symptoms

• Pain will begin a short distance from the elbow joint.

  Tendinitis has three stages. At first you'll experience a dull ache following activity that improves with rest. In stage two, the pain increases, extending to minor movements like dressing. In stage three, the pain becomes constant. The Medic8 website describes this pain as located along the outside of the elbow beginning near a bony knob on the joint. There may also be pain and tenderness along the forearm.

  Activities like turning the wrist or lifting objects with a straight arm will cause more pain and possibly a weak feeling in your arms and hands. The elbow joint might feel stiff in the mornings. In serious cases, radial tunnel syndrome may cause temporary paralysis of the fingers or wrist.

Causes

• Repetitive movements like typing can can cause strain on the radial nerve.

  According to Callingwood Chiropractic Center, repetitive movements such as frequent or improper typing work or performing tasks requiring bent wrists and finger work can put strain on the radial nerve. This leads to unnatural stretching and pinching of the nerve and, over time, wrist bending and twisting and hard pushes and pulls can add to the injury. Sometimes a blow to your elbow can squeeze the nerve as well.

Treatment

• In severe cases of radial tunnel syndrome, surgery might be necessary.

  See a doctor if you suspect radial tunnel syndrome so that he may diagnose the injury and prescribe treatment.

  Medic8 recommends refraining from any activity that might have caused the pinched nerve or that could exacerbate the injury. The doctor may recommend an arm splint to hold your arm in a fixed position.

  Because symptoms of radial tunnel syndrome may last from a few weeks to a few years, surgery might be necessary in severe cases to reduce pressure on the radial nerve.

Drug and Alternative Therapies

• Your doctor might recommend medication to manage pain.

  The University of Maryland Medical Center lists nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) or naproxen to help to manage pain and reduce inflammation from radial tunnel syndrome.

  Lidocaine or corticosteroid injections into the tendon can be used to treat the injury, and putting ice on the joint and resting the arm whenever possible is recommended. Massage or physical therapy helps to manage the pain and reduce swelling and aids in recovery.

  Ultrasonography is another treatment option, using high-frequency sound to heat an area in order to increase the blood supply or, for severe radial tunnel syndrome, transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS), where electricity is used to manage pain, can be used.

Prevention

• To prevent a recurrence of this injury, you should strengthen muscles gradually during recovery. In repetitive strain injuries, small amounts of damage add up over time, so vary sports, exercise routines and work habits to avoid repetitive movements where possible. Try not to grip objects too tightly or place excessive pressure on your arm.