Pronator teres syndrome is compression of the median nerve in the upper forearm, at one or more of four narrow points around the elbow. It causes an aching pain in the front of the forearm and numbness or tingling in the thumb, index, middle and half of the ring finger. Unlike carpal tunnel syndrome, it usually does not wake you at night; it flares with repetitive forearm rotation, forceful gripping and manual work. Mechanics, electricians, plumbers, carpenters and people who lift heavy weights are often affected.
Warning signs
- Aching in the front of the forearm that gets worse with use
- Numbness or tingling in the thumb, index and middle fingers
- Symptoms that flare with gripping, rotating the forearm, or curls and rows at the gym
- Tenderness over the muscle just below the front of the elbow
- Symptoms that do not wake you at night
Treatment
Specific forearm tests during the exam help tell it apart from carpal tunnel syndrome. Care usually starts with reducing or rotating the tasks that trigger it, a forearm splint at night, hand therapy with nerve-gliding exercises, and anti-inflammatory medication; an ultrasound-guided injection is an option in selected cases. When symptoms persist, surgery usually releases all four compression points through an incision in the upper forearm, under regional anesthesia.
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Questions patients ask
What is pronator teres syndrome?
Pronator teres syndrome is compression of the median nerve in the upper forearm, at one or more of four narrow points around the elbow. It causes an aching pain in the front of the forearm and numbness or tingling in the thumb, index, middle and half of the ring finger. Unlike carpal tunnel syndrome, it usually does not wake you at night; it flares with repetitive forearm rotation, forceful gripping and manual work. Mechanics, electricians, plumbers, carpenters and people who lift heavy weights are often affected.
What are the warning signs of pronator teres syndrome?
Aching in the front of the forearm that gets worse with use. Numbness or tingling in the thumb, index and middle fingers. Symptoms that flare with gripping, rotating the forearm, or curls and rows at the gym. Tenderness over the muscle just below the front of the elbow. Symptoms that do not wake you at night.
How is pronator teres syndrome treated?
Specific forearm tests during the exam help tell it apart from carpal tunnel syndrome. Care usually starts with reducing or rotating the tasks that trigger it, a forearm splint at night, hand therapy with nerve-gliding exercises, and anti-inflammatory medication; an ultrasound-guided injection is an option in selected cases. When symptoms persist, surgery usually releases all four compression points through an incision in the upper forearm, under regional anesthesia.
Who treats pronator teres syndrome near Southlake and Dallas-Fort Worth?
Dr. Pedro Loredo, a board-certified hand surgeon (General Surgery, American Board of Surgery; Hand Surgery, American Board of Plastic Surgery) at Loredo Hand Care Institute, 431 E State Hwy 114, Suite 380, Southlake, TX. New patients are seen within days. Call (972) 939-4974. Se habla español.
En español: ¿Dolor en el antebrazo y dedos dormidos, pero no de noche?
El síndrome del pronador redondo es la compresión del nervio mediano en la parte alta del antebrazo, en uno o más de cuatro puntos estrechos alrededor del codo. Causa un dolor sordo al frente del antebrazo y entumecimiento u hormigueo en el pulgar, el índice, el dedo medio y la mitad del anular. A diferencia del túnel carpiano, por lo general no lo despierta de noche; empeora al girar el antebrazo una y otra vez, al agarrar con fuerza y con el trabajo manual. Mecánicos, electricistas, plomeros, carpinteros y quienes levantan pesas suelen verse afectados.
Señales de alerta
- Dolor en la parte de enfrente del antebrazo que empeora con el uso
- Entumecimiento u hormigueo en el pulgar, el índice y el dedo medio
- Síntomas que aumentan al agarrar, al girar el antebrazo o al hacer curls y remos en el gimnasio
- Dolor al presionar el músculo justo debajo del pliegue del codo
- Síntomas que no lo despiertan de noche
Tratamiento
Unas pruebas específicas del antebrazo durante el examen ayudan a distinguirlo del túnel carpiano. El tratamiento suele empezar con reducir o alternar las tareas que lo provocan, una férula de antebrazo por la noche, terapia de mano con ejercicios de deslizamiento del nervio y medicamentos antiinflamatorios; una inyección guiada por ultrasonido es una opción en casos seleccionados. Si los síntomas persisten, la cirugía suele liberar los cuatro puntos de compresión por una incisión en la parte alta del antebrazo, con anestesia regional.
If this sounds like your hand
Call Loredo Hand Care Institute or start your forms online. New patients are seen within days; surgery, when needed, is scheduled at the first available opening. Se habla español.