The radial nerve is one of the nerves that carry signals from the brain down the arm to the hand. It controls movement of the triceps muscle at the back of the upper arm and backward bending of the wrist. It also helps with movement and feeling in the hand. Wrist drop is commonly caused by compression of the radial nerve. Symptoms of wrist drop include::
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Weakness of the wrist and fingers
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Inability to straighten the wrist or fingers
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Numbness or tingling of the hand
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Pain in the wrist, or hand
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Muscle shrinking in the forearm or wrist
Compression of the radial nerve is often caused by:
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Unrelieved pressure on the radial nerve (from things such as sleeping with the arm draped over something such as the back of a chair)
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Using crutches incorrectly, causing too much pressure on the nerve
The problem will likely go away on its own once pressure to the nerve is relieved. If the nerve has been damaged, symptoms may continue for a longer term. A majority of cases are managed conservatively with physical therapy and a wrist splint. In this case, splinting the wrist to provide support for your wrist and fingers can help improve function. Physical therapy may be prescribed.
Surgery to repair the nerve may be needed for symptoms that don't respond to simpler treatments. In some cases, your healthcare provider will do tests such as electromyography (EMG) and nerve conduction studies (NCS) to find the extent of damage done to the radial nerve. This will help your provider figure out how long it may take you to get better.
Home care
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Exercise under the direction of your physical therapist or healthcare provider.
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If you were given a splint or sling, wear it as directed. Keep your splint clean and dry to prevent potential complications like skin infections.
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Do not apply powder or lotion on, near, or inside your splint.
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Do not try to insert anything in your splint. This can injure your skin and lead to infections.
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If medicines were prescribed for pain or nerve sensations, take them as directed.
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Don't get into positions that may stretch or put pressure on the underarm.
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If repetitive motion is the cause, avoid the activity that caused the problem.
Follow-up care
Follow up with your healthcare provider as advised.
When to get medical advice
Call your healthcare provider right away if you have any of these:
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Increasing arm swelling or pain
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Numbness or weakness of the arm
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Symptoms spread to other parts of the body
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Slurred speech, confusion
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Trouble speaking, walking, or seeing
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Shortness of breath or trouble breathing
