What muscles of the hand does the radial nerve innervate?
The radial nerve and its branches provide innervation the following muscles (See Structure and Function for specific nerve branch innervations and muscle actions)[7]:
- Abductor pollicis longus.
- Anconeus.
- Brachioradialis.
- Extensor carpi radialis brevis.
- Extensor carpi radialis longus.
- Extensor carpi ulnaris.
What are the symptoms of radial nerve damage?
Radial nerve palsy symptoms include:
- Numbness from the triceps down to the fingers.
- Problems extending the wrist or fingers.
- Pinching and grasping problems.
- Weakness or inability to control muscles from the triceps down to the fingers.
- Wrist drop – when the wrist hangs limply and the patient cannot lift it.
What is a radial nerve?
The radial nerve is one of the three main nerves in the arm. It runs from the neck to the back of the upper arm. Next, it crosses the outside of the elbow and goes down to the forearm and hand. At the elbow, the radial nerve enters a narrow tunnel formed by muscles, tendon, and bone. This is called the radial tunnel.
What happens if radial nerve is damaged?
Radial nerve injury may be due to physical trauma, infection, or even exposure to toxins. It often causes numbness and tingling or burning pain. It can also be painless. The condition may cause weakness or difficulty moving your wrist, hand, or fingers.
What nerve root is radial nerve?
The radial nerve is formed from the C5, C6, C7, C8 and T1 nerve roots of the brachial plexus. The brachial plexus is a group of nerves that branches from the cervical spine (neck). The brachial plexus travels under the clavicle and through the armpit (axilla).
How do you test for radial nerve damage?
Diagnosis. To diagnose a radial nerve injury, a doctor will perform a physical assessment. They will move each joint in the upper arm and ask the person to report any sensation of stretching, tingling, or pain.
How do I stretch my radial nerve?
Straighten your arm with your palm facing down and bend your wrist so that your fingers point down. Gently pull your hand toward your body until you feel a stretch on the outside of your forearm. Hold the stretch for 15 seconds. Repeat 5 times, then perform this stretch on the other arm.
What is the best way to stretch radial nerve?
Step-by-step directions Straighten your arm with your palm facing down and bend your wrist so that your fingers point down. Gently pull your hand toward your body until you feel a stretch on the outside of your forearm. Hold the stretch for 15 seconds. Repeat 5 times, then perform this stretch on the other arm.
