What is Pronator Teres Syndrome?
Pronator Teres Syndrome (PTS) is a condition that affects the median nerve as it passes through the pronator teres muscle in the forearm.
Pronator Teres Syndrome is similar to carpal tunnel syndrome, as they are both entrapment syndromes, but occurs at a different location in the arm. It occurs when the median nerve becomes compressed or irritated as it passes through the pronator teres muscle, leading to various symptoms.
What are common signs and symptoms of pronator teres syndrome?
Some key symptoms may include:
- Numbness,tingling, burning and/or pain- these are generally felt in the thumb, index, middle and/or ring fingers and includes the palm
- Pain or tingling in the hand that may or may not travel up through the forearm towards the elbow
- Weakness in the hand
- Increased pain at night or waking up in the middle of the night with numbness in your hand and fingers
- Worsening of symptoms with increased hand use and gripping
- Worsening of symptoms when having your hand in a fixed position for a long time
In most circumstances, pronator teres syndrome begins gradually and without a specific cause or mechanism of injury. Initially, many patients notice that their symptoms come and go. However, as the condition progresses, symptoms may become more constant or last for longer periods of time.
Common causes of pronator teres syndrome
In most cases, there may be a variety of contributing factors. Some common factors may include:
- Overuse or repetitive motions - Repetitive forearm motions and activities may irritate the muscles in the forearm and cause inflammation that puts stress on the nerve.
- Ergonomic loads such as extensive computer mouse use or racquet sports
- Direct Trauma to the forearm
- Anatomical variations can lead to increased pressure on the median nerve by the pronator teres muscle.
How We Take Care of Your Pronator Teres Syndrome?
We have you covered for your wrist and forearm related injuries with an integrated team of physiotherapists, chiropractors, and registered massage therapists and kinesiologists.
Treatment for pronator teres syndrome may include (but are not limited to):
- Soft tissue treatment to address muscle tightness and trigger points
- Stretching and exercises to help manage and improve symptoms between treatments
- Joint mobilizations and/or manipulations to help release stiff joints
- Acupuncture
- Massage therapy
- Education regarding ergonomic changes to your work setting to decrease stress on your wrist and forearm.
- Other therapies may also be used, and the best approach will be determined during an evaluation with your specialist.
How can we take care of your forearm pain?
Treatment will vary based on how the patient is presenting in the clinic and will depend on the underlying causes and contributing factors that they are presenting with. Generally, rest and activity modification will be prescribed. Ice, taping or bracing may be prescribed if needed. More common treatment approaches are strengthening and stretching of the muscles identified in the assessment.
You don’t have to live with forearm pain
To summarize, forearm pain is common but manageable. Despite there being various reasons why someone can have forearm pain, finding the right modalities and practitioners can help you address the underlying problem and decrease symptoms.
If you resonate with any of these points, give Baseline a call or go online and book an appointment with one of our practitioners.
Written by: Lorrisa Deng, Registered Massage Therapist, Burnaby
