My years of training and lifting weights in the gym combined with my obvious passion for abundant kayak paddling has finally caught up to me. The good news is we are hoping injections of a corticosteroid in each forearm this past week will be a “one and done” fix within the next couple weeks. If not, surgery may be necessary.
Pay attention to the signs and seek medical attention if you are dealing with a pain or ache that just won’t go away. For me, it was hand cramping after kayak races and pain even simply straightening out my arms after races or big paddling sessions. I’m adapting by loosening my grip on the paddle (“as loose as you can…but not too loose,”) using lifting hooks in the gym, and backing off heavy weights and reducing sets for a while.
Radial tunnel syndrome (RTS) is a condition that occurs when the radial nerve, which runs from the neck to the hand, becomes compressed or irritated as it passes through the radial tunnel. The radial tunnel is a narrow space located on the back of the forearm, between the two main muscles of the forearm, the extensor carpi radialis brevis and the extensor digitorum communis.
The radial nerve is responsible for controlling many of the muscles in the forearm and hand, including those that enable wrist extension, finger extension, and thumb extension. When the nerve is compressed or irritated, it can cause numbness, tingling, and weakness in these areas.
Symptoms of radial tunnel syndrome may include:
- Numbness or tingling in the back of the hand and fingers
- Weakness or wasting of the muscles in the forearm and hand
- Pain or burning sensation on the back of the hand and forearm
- Difficulty performing activities that require wrist extension, such as turning a doorknob or using a screwdriver
- Cramping or stiffness in the forearm and hand
Radial tunnel syndrome can occur for a variety of reasons, including:
- Compression of the nerve as it passes through the radial tunnel
- Repetitive strain or injury to the nerve
- Cubital tunnel syndrome (compression of the ulnar nerve at the elbow)
- Poor posture or biomechanics
- Overuse or repetitive strain injuries
Treatment for radial tunnel syndrome typically involves a combination of physical therapy, exercise, and lifestyle modifications to reduce pressure on the nerve. In some cases, surgery may be necessary to relieve compression on the nerve.
It’s worth noting that radial tunnel syndrome is often misdiagnosed as lateral epicondylitis (tennis elbow), as both conditions can cause similar symptoms. However, while lateral epicondylitis typically affects the outer aspect of the elbow, radial tunnel syndrome affects the back of the forearm.
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