What is Biker’s Arm?
Riding on a motorcycle is an inherently dangerous activity. It can be fun, but it definitely does not come without risk. Bikers must contend with poor road conditions, heavy traffic, and reckless drivers. Due to their two-wheel frame, and lack of protection for the rider, motorbikes are just not designed to absorb some of the damage from crashes as cars and trucks are
Because of this, bikers are at risk of experiencing a range of dangerous injuries from broken bones to head trauma. When a motorcycle crash does happen, biker’s arm is a common injury that results. This is a debilitating injury because it can leave a rider with restricted control or limited feeling in their hands or arm.
What Causes Biker’s Arm?
The name biker’s arm covers a broad group of injuries to the nerves in the upper arm that occurs when a biker injures their arm by either landing on it in a crash, or the motorcycle lands on it.
When a biker is in a crash it is natural for them to try and brace for a fall by using their arms to protect or brace themselves. This however increases the chance of biker’s arm occurring because the rider’s body or bike will crash down on their arms or hands, causing damage to the nerves including the median, ulnar, and radial nerves. Collectively, these nerves control the movement in the arms, hands, and fingers, and if not treated properly, it can result in lasting damage.
Symptoms
Many bikers who have been involved in a motorcycle crash may not immediately notice that they have suffered nerve damage and are suffering from biker’s arm. It may even take weeks before the injuries present themselves. If you have been in an accident and used your arm to brace yourself or your bike, here is a list of symptoms you should look out for:
- Tingling or unusual sensations through the arm, hand, and fingers
- Ability to use your arm, but limited mobility in your hand and fingers
- Ability to use your hand and fingers, but lack of feeling in the shoulder and upper arm
- Numbness in your arms, hands, or fingers
- Limited or complete paralysis in your arm
- Chronic pain
If you have been in a motorcycle accident and are experiencing any of these symptoms, it is important to see a doctor as soon as you can.
Treatment Options
Treating nerve damage can be complicated and is not as straightforward as treating a broken bone by putting a cast on it. However, if your doctor diagnoses biker’s arm, there are several treatment options available.
For minor nerve damage, physical therapy can help you get feeling back and regain control of the affected arm. Massage therapy and pain management medication can also help to deal with the trauma so your nerves can naturally repair themselves.
In more extreme cases, there is a chance that the nerve can be severed. This requires surgery to correct and if left untreated could result in limited use of fingers, hands, wrists, or even full paralysis of your arm. Identifying the severity of your condition as early as possible is the best way to recover fully.
Get a Dallas Motorcycle Accident Attorney
The Lenahan Law Firm believes that motorcyclists deserve proper representation after a motorcycle crash in Dallas and fair treatment from insurance companies. Motorcyclists are often pressured against filing claims simply because of bias. If another driver caused an accident that led to biker’s arm, you should not have to deal with the consequences by yourself.
Hiring a motorcycle accident attorney in Dallas is the best way to help you determine damages, liability, and compensation. Give us a call today at (214) 295-1008 to see what we can do to help you.
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