Fact Checked
Cubital tunnel syndrome is brought about by excessive pressure placed on the ulnar nerve found in the elbow. It results to tingling or numbness of the small and ring fingers as well as achiness and weakness of the hand and forearm. This condition is a type of neuropathy due to nerve compression.
Symptoms of cubital tunnel syndrome
- At first, pain arises
- Numbness and tingling sensations in the little and ring fingers
- Weakness in gripping things, losing grip while holding an object
- Partial flexion of the little and ring finger
- Difficulty performing activities which fine motor control
- Symptoms becomes worse at night
- Symptoms become severe with movements such as repetitive flexing, elbow leaning and extending of the elbow.
- Lastly, muscle wasting in the forearm and hand
Numbness and tingling sensations in the little and ring fingers.
Causes
- Direct pressure can press the nerve and makes the small and ring fingers lose sensation
- The elbow in a bent position for prolonged periods of time can cause stretching the nerve at the back elbow especially during sleeping.
- The ulnar nerve snaps back and forth across a bony protrusion with movements of the elbow. Repeated snapping causes irritation of the nerve.
- Bone spurs
- Medial epicondylitis
- Tight fascia bands over the tunnel
- Osteoarthritis or rheumatoid arthritis causes narrowing of the tunnel
- Playing instruments such as a guitar
- Repetitive flexion and extension of the elbow
- Humerus or ulna fracture
- Subluxation of ulnar nerve
Treatment
- Take plenty of rest. Avoid performing activities such as excessive leaning on elbows, playing the guitar and other manual work for fast healing of the condition.
- Wear the prescribed splint or foam elbow brace during sleeping at night to prevent unnecessary movement and lessen further irritation of the area. Another option is wrapping a towel around the elbow like a “pig in a blanket”, and secures the towel in place using safety pins or medical tape.
- Use the prescribed elbow pad to lessen irritation of the affected area from hard surfaces.
- Apply cold compress on the affected area using ice pack. Wrap ice pack with a towel or cloth before applying on the area for at least 10-15 minutes to lessen the inflammation and the pain. Another alternative is placing ice cubes in a plastic bag or bag of frozen vegetable such as peas or corn is good for the condition.
- Use the suggested over-the-counter anti-inflammatory drugs to alleviate the pain and swelling.
FACT CHECK
https://www.webmd.com/pain-management/cubital-radial-tunnel-syndrome#1
http://www.assh.org/handcare/hand-arm-conditions/cubital-tunnel