Pronator Teres Syndrome vs Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

Pronator teres syndrome, or PTS for short, is when you get irritation or pinching of a nerve in your forearm. It happens right around this little muscle called the pronator teres. 

The nerve involved is called the median nerve. It runs from your elbow down through your arm and into your hand. Where the pronator teres muscle is located is where the median nerve passes through on its way.

When that muscle or the area around it gets inflamed or tightened up, it can squeeze on the nerve as it goes by. This causes the symptoms of PTS. Often, repetitive motions are the culprit if you do things over and over that involve turning your hand, like pitching a baseball or working an assembly line. 

All right, let's talk about carpal tunnel syndrome. There's a narrow passage at the bottom of your hand called the carpal tunnel, which is surrounded on both sides by the wrist bones and other tissues.

What is Carpal Tunnel Syndrome?

Carpal tunnel syndrome happens when that tunnel becomes swollen and tight. And when that happens, it puts pressure on that nerve. A few things that can increase your chances of developing it include any motions that constantly bend your wrist back and forth, like if you do a lot of typing, for example. Being overweight, having diabetes, or going through hormonal changes like during pregnancy or menopause can also increase your chances of developing this condition, as can past injuries to the wrist or diseases that cause inflammation, like arthritis.

Basically, the tunnel just gets too crowded and squishes the nerve. Unfortunately, it's common these days.

How do you treat them?

Pronator Teres Syndrome:

Determining the exact source and nature of pain is important to guide proper treatment. PTS is usually treated first with non-surgical options like immobilizing the forearm with a splint, anti-inflammatory medications, corticosteroid injections around the nerve, and physical or occupational therapy techniques to release tight muscles. If symptoms persist, surgical decompression to enlarge the nerve tunnel may be recommended.

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome:

CTS treatment also begins conservatively with splinting, oral steroids or NSAIDs, activity modifications, and corticosteroid injections into the carpal tunnel. However, if nonsurgical approaches fail to provide relief over several months, carpal tunnel release surgery may become necessary. The surgeon makes an incision across the palm to cut and release the compressed ligament, instantly relieving pressure on the median nerve. 

Don’t Ignore the Signs

Massage therapy can help with several conditions. Richmond, BC, residents can rely on Remedy Massage Therapy for professional and reputable services. Contact us today to learn more about massage therapy and why it is important.