What is Radial Nerve Palsy?
The radial nerve runs from your upper arm to your wrist and fingers. This nerve controls movement and sensation in your arm and hand, as well as the extension of your elbow, wrist, and fingers. Injury to the radial nerve may result in radial neuropathy (weakness of difficultly moving your wrist, hand, or fingers), also called radial nerve palsy. Radial nerve injury may be due to physical trauma (most frequently injured in association with humeral fractures), infection, or even exposure to toxins.
Symptoms of Radial Nerve Palsy
- 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 you cannot lift it)
What Causes Radial Nerve Palsy?
Radial nerve palsy can be caused by physical trauma (such as humeral fractures, dislocations, or deep cuts on your wrist or arm), awkward body positions for long periods of time (such as while working or sleeping), bruises that put pressure on the radial nerve, growths such as tumors or cysts, infection or inflammation, exposure to toxins, a tight watch squeezing your wrist, or crutches pressing under your arm.
Most of these causes cannot be controlled by behavior or lifestyle changes. However, proper ergonomics will improve your posture at work, and you can use pillows to help prevent awkward sleeping positions.
Injuries similar to a radial nerve injury can also occur in babies during the birthing process. The most common injury of this nature is brachial plexus palsy. The Brachial plexus starts in the back of the neck and extends through the armpit. It is central to the operation of a child’s arm hands and fingers. An elbow immobilizer splint for infants can be helpful.
Treatment of Radial Nerve Palsy
- Physical Therapy: Your physician or physical therapist may prescribe radial nerve exercises to strengthen your muscles and increase your range of motion.
- Splint or Cast: A splint or cast can support the wrist and hand while the radial nerve heals.
- Surgery: In certain cases, your physician may recommend surgery to remove a cyst, tumor, or broken bone pressing on the nerve or repair the nerve itself.
- Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation (TENS): This therapy applies a gentle electric current to the muscles and may help reduce pain.
8 Advantages of This Saturday Night Palsy Splint
Affordable
The bulk of competitor products for radial neuropathy cost hundreds of dollars. With our splint, you will receive medical-grade support at a fraction of the price.
Easily Adjustable (No Doctor Needed)
Most competitor radial nerve splints require doctor adjustments and fittings for proper support. Our radial palsy splint can be easily applied by yourself or with the help of a close family member or friend, depending on the severity of your condition.
Wear Day and Night
A functional solution for all-day support. Wear the lightweight, comfortable splint during the day and at night while sleeping.
Soft and Comfortable
Many competitors' dynamic splinting options following MCP arthroplasty or a radial nerve injury look like something straight out of a horror movie. Our hand and finger splint is nonintimidating, soft, comfortable, and easy to use.
Universal Design Fits Right or Left Hand
Its unisex and one-size-fits-most design allows men and women to wear the limp wrist splint on either their right or left arm.
Removable Elastic Finger Lifts
The finger lifts emulate your tendons to enhance the functionality of your fingers and hand and promote healing. This technology is based on the latest advances in neurorehabilitation research documenting the brain’s ability to “re-program” itself.
The finger loops are slim and soft. Fully adjustable bases for customizable support. The finger lifts are removable if desired.
Wrist Extension Stay
The sewn-in plastic stay is covered in soft, padded foam for ultimate user comfort during extended wear. It holds your limp wrist up in extension (dorsiflexion), allowing the radial nerve to heal in a shortened position. Without the stay, you would continue experiencing limp wrist or “drop wrist.” In a dropped wrist position, your radial nerve is being stretched, which hinders recovery and healing.
Functional Fit Allows Finger Use
Allows partial wrist motion and full-finger usage. Your thumb is left totally free.
Frequently Asked Questions About This Wrist Drop Brace
- What conditions / injuries does this brace treat? Use for radial nerve palsy, wrist drop, Saturday night palsy, peripheral nerve injuries, honeymoon palsy, crutch palsy, and stroke hand.
- How does it work? Specifically designed to keep your affected wrist, hand, and fingers in the proper anatomical position to improve function and healing.
- Who can wear this brace? Fits most adult women and men.
- What size should I get? One size fits most.
- When should I wear it? Wear day and night until your radial nerve has healed and symptoms have improved. Remove for showers.
- What is it made of? Nylon and unbroken loop exterior with a plastic stay, closed-cell foam padding, elastic finger lifts, and hook and loop fasteners. All components are latex-free.
- How long is this brace? 8 inches.
- How do I put it on? Loosen straps. Position finger lift bases near fingers to loosen. Slide hand through splint with stay on top. Place fingers in loops, beginning with pinky and working toward index finger. Tighten and secure middle, forearm, and hand straps in that order. Reposition finger lift bases near wrist to raise limp fingers. To remove finger straps, remove knuckle strap. Unfasten finger lift bases, slide finger out of loops, and remove.
- Washing instructions: Attach closures. Hand wash in warm water with mild detergent. Do not use hot temperatures to wash or dry. Allow splint to air dry completely before reapplying.
- Other features:
- Natural, non-invasive treatment for radial nerve palsy
- Unisex design for men and women
- Made in the USA
- Color: Black
