Anonymous

2 years

Uncontrolled supination on the left forearm and hand

Hi doctor, I am a 35 year old man. Lately, I have been experiencing uncontrollable supination problems in my left forearm and hand. When I straighten the arm either straight forward (90 degrees, palm facing downward) or straight down (0 degrees, palm facing backward), uncontrolled supination will occur on the left forearm with my left hand. If I want to stop the uncontrolled movement by turning in the opposite direction (pronation) or just by holding the position, I will feel strong resistance and tension in the forearm to wrist, and can not stop the uncontrolled movement of supination (the feeling is like rotate and squeezing wet cloth in 2 different directions). The uncontrolled supination movement will continue to rotate and put pressure on the forearm and hand until I “fold” the forearm towards the elbow (elbow flexion?) and press lightly on the Median nerve or place nearby it, then the uncontrolled supination will only and my hand and forearm movement becomes free again. It will happen again if I straighten my forearms again.

For doctor’s knowledge, last week I went to the klinik kesihatan for an examination, but the doctor there mentioned that this was an ergonomic problem and poor blood circulation, but I was a right hand user and my left hand was affected. I was only given painkillers/anti-inflammatory at that time because my wrist was sore and there was a little inflammation as a result of my early attempt to stop uncontrolled movements before the visit. A week after, my condition did not see much improved yet.

Can the doctor provide some idea on what is happened to my left forearm? And can the doctor suggest which specialist can do an examination for my condition? Because if I visit klinik kesihatan again, possibly they will only give me another batch of NSAID or maybe nerve suppressant.

Looking forward from your reply soon.

Dr Ramzdhan,

2 years

Hello and thank you for your question.
Based on your question, I understand that you are worried about your problem. I will try to help you.

You talked about you have uncontrolled supination movement and you are unable to pronate your left forearm. It indicates weak pronator muscles, it may be due to previous trauma episode or nerve compression under prolonged malposition or misusage in daily life. Signs of nerve damage may be supported by certain muscle wasting or site numbness with arm/shoulder/back pain, please take note and consult your doctor. You may be arranged for few imaging tests such as X-ray and MRI with medications mainly to control symptoms of pain and swelling if noticed. You may also be prescribed with physiotherapy sessions with splints to stabilize your elbow position.

With the brief explanation on your condition, hope you can understand that it was made merely by your description and you are strongly advised to approach a doctor personally to do physical examination and investigations as needed.

You can also contact our doctor online for further information and management.
I hope this answer helps you. Thank you.
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