Pronator teres syndrome (PRS), first described by Henrik Seyffarth in 1951, is caused by compression of the median nerve (NM) by the pronator teres (PR) muscle of the forearm. The RP muscle is named for its action and shape; it is a rounded muscle that performs the pronation movement.
Causes
- More common in women over 40.
- Hypothyroidism and diabetes are considered risk factors.
- More prevalent in those who regularly participate in activities that require repetitive pronation (turning the palm toward the ground) while flexing the fingers, such as when grasping an object.
- Common among carpenters and mechanics.
- Sports like weightlifting, rowing, and those that use snowshoes are also susceptible to the condition.
- Can be caused by other factors such as forearm trauma, tumors and bone abnormalities.
Symptoms
- Tingling sensation in the forearm, palm and/or fingers (including the thumb)
- Numbness of 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)
- Pain in the forearm and tenderness when pressing on the pronator teres muscle
