Cubital tunnel syndrome involves pressure or stretching of the ulnar nerve that results to tingling or numbness in the ring and small fingers, weakness in the hand and/or pain in the forearm.
What are the possible causes?
There are a few causes of cubital tunnel syndrome that you should be familiar with such as the following:
- Pressure – the nerve has minimal padding over it. Direct pressure can compress the nerve which causes the arm and hand particularly the ring and small fingers to “fall asleep”.
Pins and needles sensation in the ring and small fingers - Stretching – if the elbow is bent for an extended period, it can stretch the nerve behind the elbow. This is likely to occur while sleeping.
- Anatomical issues – oftentimes, the ulnar nerve does not remain in its position and snaps back and forth over a bony protuberance as the elbow moves. The repeated snapping can irritate the nerve. Oftentimes, the soft tissues over the nerve thicken or there is an “extra” muscle over the nerve that prevents it from functioning properly.
What are the indications?
Cubital tunnel syndrome can cause the following:
- Pain
- Tingling and/or weakness
- Loss of sensation
- Pins and needles sensation in the ring and small fingers
Remember that these symptoms are often experienced if the elbow is bent for an extended period such as holding a phone or while sleeping.
How is it diagnosed
The doctor will ask about the symptoms and perform a physical exam. The individual is also tested for other health issues such as thyroid disease or diabetes.
Oftentimes, nerve testing is required to check how the nerves and muscles are affected. This test also checks for other issues such as a pinched nerve in the neck that can trigger similar symptoms.
Management
The initial treatments involve avoidance of activities that triggered the symptoms in the first place.
Wrap a towel or pillow in a loose manner around the affected elbow or use a splint at night to prevent the elbow from bending. The individual should also avoid leaning on the “funny bone” as well.
Oftentimes, surgery is required to alleviate the pressure on the ulnar nerve. This involves releasing the nerve, moving the nerve to the front part of the elbow and/or eliminating a part of the bone.
Therapy is oftentimes required after surgery and the recovery period can vary. Tingling and numbness can improve rapidly or in a slow manner. It might take several months for recovery after the surgery. Remember that the symptoms might not completely settle after surgery especially if the symptoms are severe.