Radial tunnel syndrome involves the nerve around the elbow of your arm known as the radial nerve. Repetitive motion of your arm might cause the development of a compression of the radial nerve, also known as radial tunnel syndrome. Swimming is an activity in which the repetitive motion of your arms can contribute to radial tunnel syndrome. Consult your physician if you have this condition for specific recommendations.
Identification
Radial tunnel syndrome can cause pain, swelling or inflammation in the muscle around the radial nerve. Although repetitive motion is commonly the cause of this condition, radial tunnel syndrome can also develop due to damage to the soft tissue around the nerve or because of a bone fracture. The primary symptom of radial tunnel syndrome is varying pain. Unlike golfer’s elbow, the pain in radial tunnel syndrome occurs farther down the elbow and might radiate to the forearm and wrist.
Treatment
It can be difficult to treat radial tunnel syndrome. You need to limit repetitive movements to treat this condition. You might need to modify your work activities and avoid heavy pushing and pulling. You can work with a physical therapist to learn how to complete certain daily activities without overexerting your elbow. In some cases, surgery might be necessary to treat radial tunnel syndrome as a last resort. A surgeon usually cuts any part of the radial tunnel that is pinching the nerve.
Swimming
Check with your physician to determine what swimming strokes you can do with radial tunnel syndrome. The exact limits might depend on where your radial pain is occurring, but you should avoid strokes that place pressure on the wrist or elbow. Generally, when you have radial tunnel syndrome, you do not want to bend your wrist backward, as this will place tension on the nerve running up to the elbow. Make sure you take plenty of breaks while you are swimming to allow your arms and elbows to rest. If you notice an increase in pain, stop swimming and talk to your doctor.
Precautions
Consult your physician or physical therapist before you begin swimming with radial tunnel syndrome. You might need to figure out what aggravates your injury by trial and error. Each injury is unique, and you might find a swimming stroke that does not bother your radial tunnel syndrome. If you need to have surgery on your arm, you will have to wear a splint on your elbow. Full recovery might take as long as three to four months following surgery, but you will be able to complete range-of-motion exercises with your physical therapist.
