What is Paresis of the Forearm?

Suffering from a loss of function or weakness in your forearm can be scary, particularly if you don't know what it is or how to treat it. We've created a guide to help you understand the condition and what you can do to treat it.

What is Paresis of the Forearm?

Paresis is when you suffer from partial paralysis and muscular weakness as a result of nerve damage or disease. This can occur in different parts of your body, but as there are so many different types with various causes, we'll stick to paresis of the forearm for today. The severity of the condition will depend on what its cause is.

Causes of the Condition

As previously mentioned, the two main causes of forearm paresis are either nerve damage or disease. Diseases like multiple sclerosis (MS) or cerebral palsy can cause monoparesis, i.e. weakness in one of your legs or arms.

If, on the other hand, you've suffered from nerve damage in the nerves controlling your forearm, this can cause paresis. For the most part, this is only temporary and will improve when the nerves are repaired. Nerve damage can be caused by the following:

• Forearm fractures
• Acute trauma to the radial nerve (radial nerve palsy)

What are the Signs and Symptoms of the Condition?

The main signs of paresis of the forearm are weakness or loss of some function in the area. This can lead to muscle wastage if you're unable to use the muscles in the area for prolonged periods of time. As such, it's integral that you perform rehabilitative exercises if possible to help strengthen the muscles in the area, though you should only do this once your doctor says you're ready.

How Do I Treat Forearm Paresis?

Treatment options will depend on the cause of your forearm paresis. If your paresis of the forearm is the result of a disease or underlying condition, your recovery will depend on whether or not the condition can be cured. Most treatment plans will revolve around physical therapy to help recover your muscle tone and function.

If, on the other hand, you've suffered from a forearm fracture and this has affected the nerves and caused temporary paresis or loss of function, this will likely be treated when the fracture and surrounding nerves have been repaired. Suffering from median nerve palsy can also be treated with either surgery or just plain rest. You might be prescribed anti-inflammatory drugs and told to wear a splint for your elbow and wrist to compress and recover from the condition. Physical therapy can also help rebuild your muscle's strength.

Paresis of the Forearm at Wrist Supports

At Wrist Supports, we know how scary partial paralysis of the forearm can be. Our range of wrist supports can help stabilise the area while it heals so the wrist and forearm aren't damaged further. We've put together a range of braces that can be used to stabilise and support the area while you recover from the underlying condition or injury. Click the yellow button below to view the full range!

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