Question

A 30-year-old female presents to a PT clinic with complaints of pain on the anterior aspect of her elbow and the palmar side of the first, second, third, and half of the fourth digits. What clinical condition below is MOST likely causing these symptoms?

A. Carpal tunnel syndrome
B. Pronator teres syndrome
C. Wartenberg's syndrome
D. Arcade of Frohse syndrome

Answer 1

The most likely cause of pain and numbness in the described fingers is Carpal Tunnel Syndrome, characterized by compression of the median nerve at the carpal tunnel in the wrist.

Step-by-step explanation:

The clinical condition most likely causing the symptoms of pain on the anterior aspect of the elbow and the palmar side of the first, second, third, and half of the fourth digits is Carpal Tunnel Syndrome. This condition occurs when the median nerve in the wrist becomes compressed. The area known as the carpal tunnel is formed by the carpal bones and the flexor retinaculum and serves as a passageway through which the median nerve enters the hand. Symptoms such as pain, numbness, and muscle weakness are associated with Carpal Tunnel Syndrome because of the nerve's compression. Contributing factors include repetitive use of the wrist, swelling from injury, or health conditions that lead to increased pressure in the carpal tunnel.