If your experiencing finger tendon pain, our Dallas Pronator Teres Syndrome Treatment could help. Dr. Pedro Loredo specializes in hand care and serves the Dallas and Fort Worth, TX area. Call today to learn about treatment options for Pronator Teres.
What is Pronator Teres Syndrome?
Pronator Teres Syndrome is caused by a compression of the median nerve at the elbow, where it passes between the two heads of the pronator teres muscle into the forearm. While Pronator Teres Syndrome can have very similar symptoms to Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (in which the median nerve is compressed at the wrist), it is not nearly as common.
The symptoms associated with Pronator Teres Syndrome (outlined below) usually occur after prolonged or repetitive forearm pronation or twisting of the wrist so the palm faces downward.
What Are the Symptoms of Pronator Teres Syndrome?
Symptoms of Pronator Teres Syndrome may include the following:
- Tingling sensation in the forearm, palm, and/or fingers (including the thumb)
- Numbness in the forearm, palm, and/or fingers (including the thumb)
- Pain in the forearm, palm, and/or fingers (including the thumb)
- Muscle weakness in the forearm, wrist, and/or fingers (including the thumb)
- Aching in forearm and tenderness when pressing on the pronator teres muscle
Dr. Loredo’s Approach to Treating Pronator Teres Syndrome
Non-Surgical Treatment Options
Depending on the severity of the condition, Dr. Loredo may attempt to treat non-surgically before recommending surgery. Non-surgical treatments include:
- Anti-inflammatory medications (NSAIDs) to relieve inflammation and pain
- Steroid injections to reduce swelling and pain
- The use of a splint to support the elbow
- Resting and icing the affected area(s)
- Physical therapy
Surgical Treatment Options
In the event that non-surgical treatment is ineffective, Dr. Loredo will opt for minimally-invasive endoscopic surgery to decompress the median nerve.
What Can I Expect After Surgery?
Dr. Loredo uses the most advanced, minimally-invasive techniques available. Most patients enjoy instantaneous relief from pain with little to no post-operative downtime.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Pronator Teres Syndrome essentially the same thing as Carpal Tunnel Syndrome?
No. Although the two conditions have some symptoms in common, they are different and require different treatment. Pronator Teres Syndrome is caused by a compression of the median nerve by the pronator teres muscle at the elbow and Carpal Tunnel Syndrome is caused by a compression of the median nerve by inflamed tendons where the wrist meets the hand.
How can I tell if I have Pronator Teres Syndrome vs. Carpal Tunnel Syndrome?
You will not experience weakness or pain during forearm pronation (twisting of the wrist so the palm faces downward) or pain/tenderness when pressing on the pronator teres muscle in the forearm if you have Carpal Tunnel Syndrome as you would with Pronator Teres Syndrome. Additionally, if you have Pronator Teres Syndrome you will likely experience more pronounced numbness and/or a tingling sensation in the palm of the hand as opposed to Carpal Tunnel Syndrome in which the more pronounced numbness and/or a tingling sensation occurs in the ring and little fingers.
Are certain groups of people at higher risk for Pronator Teres Syndrome?
Yes, there are factors that can put certain people at greater risk of developing it, such as:
- People with manual occupations which result in increased bulk of the pronator teres muscle, such as carpenters and auto mechanics
- People who participate in sports which result in increased bulk of the pronator teres muscle, such as racket sports, rowing and weight lifting
- People who have sustained trauma to the forearm, have bony abnormalities, tumors, or restrictive bands of fibrous or scar tissue in the forearm which are directly impacting the pronator teres muscle or median nerve
- The condition is as much as four times more common in women than men
Contact the Loredo Hand Care Institute
If you are experiencing any of the symptoms associated with Pronator Teres Syndrome or would like to learn more about our practice in the Dallas area, please contact us today.
