Pronator Teres Syndrome is a condition that affects the nerves in your upper arm and forearm causing pain, numbness and weakness. This condition usually occurs when the median nerve is compressed or pinched by the pronator teres muscle which is located in the forearm and helps with elbow and wrist movement. PT syndrome is increasingly common affecting millions of people worldwide.
In most cases, PT syndrome can be resolved with the right treatment, which typically includes conservative measures such as rest, ice, medications, physiotherapy, and chiropractic adjustments. Getting a good sleep with pronator teres syndrome can also help the healing process. However, in some cases, PT syndrome can become serious and require immediate medical attention. In this blog post, we’ll explore when PT syndrome is serious and what you can do about it.
Chronic Pain and Numbness – When PT syndrome is left untreated, it can lead to chronic pain and numbness in your upper arm, elbow, and forearm. This often happens when the compression of the median nerve is continuous and hasn’t been released. Your pain and numbness may increase over time and become more severe. If you experience these symptoms, it’s best to seek medical attention to avoid further nerve damage.
Muscle Atrophy – Severe or chronic PT syndrome can cause muscle atrophy or muscle weakness. This is because the muscles in your forearm and hand are no longer receiving nerve signals from the median nerve which leads to the deterioration of muscle mass. If you experience muscle weakness or atrophy in your arm or hand, you should consult with a medical professional to avoid further nerve damage.
Nerve Damage – If PT syndrome is not treated properly, it can lead to permanent nerve damage, which can be debilitating. Nerve damage can cause severe and long-term pain, numbness, and weakness in the affected arm or wrist. If you think you could be at risk of nerve damage due to PT syndrome, it’s best to visit a healthcare provider that specializes in this condition and can offer effective treatment options.
Restricted Movement – When PT syndrome becomes severe, it can restrict your range of motion in your arm, elbow, and wrist. This can happen when the muscles and nerves have been affected for an extended period. Loss of movement can impact everyday life and hinder your ability to complete daily tasks. This is when it’s critical to seek medical attention to prevent further damage.
Lack of Response to Conservative Treatments – If you have tried conservative measures like rest, physiotherapy, and medications, and still have not experienced improvement, it’s essential to get medical attention. A lack of response to these treatments can be a sign of a serious underlying condition. A healthcare provider can complete a full assessment and recommend further diagnostic testing.
Pronator Teres Syndrome can be managed effectively with proper treatment, but it’s vital to recognize when it becomes serious and requires immediate attention. If you experience symptoms of chronic pain and numbness, muscle atrophy, nerve damage, restricted movement, or lack of response to conservative treatments, it’s crucial to seek medical attention to prevent further damage. Consulting with a Kitchener or Waterloo physiotherapist or chiropractor at CARESPACE can help you get a better understanding of when PT syndrome is serious and what you can do for relief, promoting the natural healing of pronator teres syndrome.
