What are the symptoms associated with radial tunnel syndrome?

Radial tunnel syndrome is characterized by the compression of the radial nerve as it travels through the radial tunnel, which is located near the elbow. The symptoms associated with this condition primarily involve pain that is typically located at or around the radial tunnel. This pain can be exacerbated with activities that involve forearm movements, especially those that require pronation or repetitive wrist motions.

Tenderness over the radial tunnel is a hallmark symptom because it directly indicates where the nerve is being compressed or irritated. Patients often report pain that may radiate into the forearm and sometimes to the hand, but the focal point of tenderness is a key feature of the syndrome, highlighting the localized nature of the issue.

The option referring to pain in the medial aspect of the forearm relates more closely to conditions like ulnar nerve entrapment, which is distinct from radial tunnel syndrome. Motor dysfunction and sensory loss can occur but are more commonly associated with more severe cases or different conditions entirely. Instability of the elbow joint is also unrelated, as radial tunnel syndrome does not typically affect joint stability. Each of these alternate options does not align with the core symptoms of radial tunnel syndrome, which centers on pain and tenderness in the radial tunnel area.