If you’re struggling with aching forearm pain, weakness, or a burning sensation along the back of your hand, you may be dealing with radial tunnel syndrome. Dr. Ketan Sharma at Sharma Hand & Nerve offers radial tunnel release to relieve pressure on the radial nerve and restore comfortable movement.
What is Radial Tunnel Release?
Radial tunnel release is a surgical procedure used to relieve pressure on the radial nerve as it passes through the radial tunnel in the forearm. This narrow space can become compressed due to muscle overuse, inflammation, or scar tissue, leading to pain and nerve dysfunction. During the procedure, the surrounding tissues that are compressing the nerve, typically the supinator muscle, are divided to create more space for the nerve. This helps reduce aching, weakness, and tingling, allowing the nerve to heal and function normally.
What Are the Signs and Symptoms Indicating You May Need a Radial Tunnel Release?
Radial tunnel syndrome can cause persistent forearm pain and functional limitations that don’t improve with rest or conservative care. When these symptoms start to interfere with your daily activities or work, radial tunnel release may be recommended to relieve pressure on the nerve. Signs and symptoms to watch for include:
- Deep, aching pain in the outer forearm
- Tenderness over the radial tunnel near the elbow
- Pain that worsens with gripping, lifting, or rotating the forearm
- Weakness in the wrist or fingers
- A tired or heavy feeling in the forearm after activity
- Numbness or tingling along the back of the hand (less common)
What Does Radial Tunnel Release Treat?
Radial tunnel release is performed to treat radial tunnel syndrome, a condition caused by compression of the radial nerve in the forearm. This nerve runs from the upper arm down through the radial tunnel—a narrow space near the elbow—and into the hand.
When this nerve becomes irritated or compressed, it can cause deep aching pain, weakness, and reduced function in the forearm and hand. Radial tunnel syndrome is often misdiagnosed, as its symptoms can resemble those of tennis elbow.
What Happens During Radial Tunnel Release?
During radial tunnel release, Dr. Sharma makes a small incision along the outer part of the forearm, near the elbow. Through this incision, he carefully identifies the radial nerve and the surrounding muscles, tendons, and soft tissues. The goal is to release any structures, most commonly parts of the supinator muscle, that are compressing the nerve within the radial tunnel.
Dr. Sharma gently separates and releases these tight or fibrous bands to relieve pressure on the nerve, ensuring there is adequate space for it to function freely. The procedure is typically done on an outpatient basis under local or general anesthesia. Once complete, the incision is closed with sutures, and the arm is bandaged to protect the area during the healing phase.
What is Recovery Like After a Radial Tunnel Release?
Recovery after radial tunnel release is typically straightforward, but it requires patience and care to ensure a proper healing process. You may experience some swelling, soreness, or stiffness near the incision site in the first few days. Most patients can return to light activities within a week, but full recovery, including strength and nerve function, can take weeks to months. Physical therapy may be recommended to restore mobility and prevent stiffness.
To support healing, be sure to:
- Keep the surgical area clean and dry
- Elevate your arm to reduce swelling
- Apply ice packs as directed to manage pain
- Avoid heavy lifting or repetitive arm motions
- Attend all scheduled follow-up appointments
- Perform stretching or therapy exercises as recommended
- Notify the office if you notice signs of infection or unusual symptoms
Why Choose Dr. Sharma for Radial Tunnel Release?
Dr. Ketan Sharma is a board-certified hand and nerve surgeon with advanced fellowship training in peripheral nerve surgery. He specializes in treating complex nerve compression conditions like radial tunnel syndrome with precision. Patients trust him for his ability to pinpoint the root cause of forearm pain and deliver lasting relief through meticulous surgical care. Dr. Sharma follows a patient-first approach to help you regain strength, comfort, and control.
Here’s why patients choose Dr. Sharma for radial tunnel release:
- Specializes in upper extremity and peripheral nerve surgery
- Utilizes minimally invasive techniques whenever possible
- Prioritizes patient education and individualized care plans
- Offers comprehensive follow-up and rehabilitation guidance
- Known for excellent surgical outcomes and compassionate care
Schedule a consultation today to learn if radial tunnel release is right for you.
