Pronator teres syndrome

The pronator teres is a muscle in the forearm which is used in the act of turning the hand so the palm faces downwards (pronation). In Pronator Teres Syndrome, the median nerve (long nerve running down the arm, through the wrist and into the hand) can become compressed by the pronator teres. This causes sensory symptoms such as numbness, tingling and pins and needles in the fingers and weakness in gripping and pinching movements. The pronator teres itself may be enlarged. It is important to note that this syndrome rarely shows up on electro-diagnostic conduction tests.

Treatments include anti-inflammatories, TENS to assist pain reduction, splinting, and physiotherapy. As in all RSI type conditions, some changes will usually need to be made to the activity or process which is causing the pain. If other strategies are not helpful, surgery may be considered.