Cubital tunnel syndrome involves pinching or compression of the ulnar nerve on the middle part of the elbow. This nerve is responsible for transmitting sensory information from the ring and small fingers to the brain as well as for the functioning of the small muscles inside the hand.
If the ulnar nerve is compressed, it results to numbness or tingling that travels down the forearm into the ring and small fingers. In the advanced phase, there is loss of function in the hand which results to diminished grip strength and difficulty with fine motor skills.
Indications of cubital tunnel syndrome
- Pain in the ring and small fingers
- Tingling and numbness in the small and ring fingers
- Diminished strength
- Poor fine motor skills
Those who have cubital tunnel syndrome are susceptible to drop objects or experience symptoms that worsen if the elbow is bent.
What are the possible causes?
Extensive burden on the ulnar nerve will cause it to elongate and eventually becomes weakened. In most instances, there is no cause. The symptoms worsen if the individual spends a long time leaning on the elbow or bending it for extended periods of time.
The condition is also brought about by irregular bone growth in the elbow or from strenuous physical activity that places high compression on the ulnar nerve particularly with throwing motions in baseball. Sleeping in which the elbow is flexed can worsen the symptoms since the ulnar nerve is under tension once the elbow is bent.
Treatment
Most cases can be managed with the following:
- Anti-inflammatory medications such as ibuprofen
- Elbow splint at night time
- Modification of activities
- Elbow padding while working or during certain activities
Surgery
Surgery is aimed on relieving the pressure from the ulnar nerve especially in the advanced cases. After surgery, the symptoms might subside in days or weeks. Nevertheless, improvement in severe cases can continue for several months.