If you are living with cubital tunnel syndrome, it can make your daily functioning uncomfortable and challenging. Imagine waking up daily with tingling sensations in your pinky and ring fingers, sometimes accompanied by sharp pain radiating from your elbow down to your hand. Pain like this causes everyday activities like typing, using your phone, or even holding a cup can become cumbersome. Many people describe feeling a "clumsy" grip or dropping things unexpectedly. This frustrating condition arises from the ulnar nerve, which runs from your shoulder to your hand, being compressed at the elbow, often resulting in persistent discomfort and limited mobility. Read on to learn more about cubital tunnel syndrome.
Cubital tunnel syndrome, sometimes confused with carpal tunnel syndrome, occurs when the ulnar nerve, a nerve that runs along the inner side of your elbow, becomes compressed.
Several factors contribute to this compression:
The symptoms of cubital tunnel syndrome often manifest as follows:
If you're experiencing hand pain but these symptoms don't match up, take a look at our comprehensive blog on numbness and tingling in your hands.
While cubital tunnel syndrome and carpal tunnel syndrome share some similarities, they affect distinctly different areas and nerves. By name, it can seem easy to confuse, but once you understand each condition, you can better determine which may be causing your pain.
Affects the ulnar nerve at the elbow
Pain radiates from elbow to hand
Symptoms include pinky and ring finger numbness
Symptoms may worsen with elbow flexion
Affects the median nerve at the wrist
Pain typically radiates from wrist to hand
Symptoms include thumb and index finger numbness
Symptoms worsen with wrist flexion
Symptoms of cubital tunnel syndrome arise due to compression or irritation of the ulnar nerve. When your ulnar nerve is compressed, it can lead to dysfunction in the hand, causing numbness, weakness, and pain.
Prevention can be the first line of treatment for cubital tunnel syndrome. You can help prevent it by making some easy lifestyle adjustments.
Modify Activities: Reduce repetitive elbow bending and take frequent breaks if your job or activities require it.
Maintain Good Posture: Ensure your workspace is ergonomically friendly to minimize strain on your elbows.
Use Proper Protective Gear: If you plan to participate in activities that have a risk of elbow injury, wearing a protective brace or padding can help prevent cubital tunnel syndrome.
Once diagnosed, it is important to take the proper steps to manage and alleviate your symptoms effectively.
Performing cubital tunnel syndrome exercises, gentle stretches and strengthening exercises, can help relieve tension around the ulnar nerve. Here are a few recommended exercises:
Nerve Glides: | To do this exercise, gently move your wrist and fingers while keeping your elbow straight to help stretch the ulnar nerve. |
Wrist Flexor Stretch: | Extend your arm and pull back your fingers gently to stretch the wrist flexors. This works by helping to alleviate pressure on the nerve. |
Elbow Straightening: | Straighten your arm and hold for a few seconds, repeating several times to promote flexibility. |
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If you have pain, please contact us and schedule an appointment. We have urgent care facilities all over New Jersey for your convenience.
If cubital tunnel syndrome symptoms persist despite at-home care, it may be time to consult an orthopaedic surgeon.
Here are signs that indicate the need for professional intervention:
When seeking help for cubital tunnel syndrome, look for an orthopaedic surgeon specializing in elbow, hand and wrist, and upper extremities. These specialists have the expertise to provide comprehensive care tailored to your needs.
Treatment for cubital tunnel syndrome may vary based on the severity of the condition:
If you experience sudden loss of sensation, severe pain, or an inability to move your fingers, seek urgent medical attention. These intense symptoms may indicate a more serious issue requiring immediate intervention. When in doubt, we recommend visiting one of our urgent care locations as soon as possible.
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Although living with cubital tunnel syndrome can be a daily challenge, with the right knowledge and proactive care, you can manage your symptoms effectively. Understanding the condition, seeking timely help from the right orthopaedic specialist, and implementing preventive measures can significantly improve your quality of life.
If you are struggling with symptoms or suspect you may have cubital tunnel syndrome, don't hesitate to schedule an appointment with POA's specialists. Our experienced team is dedicated to providing personalized care with a treatment plan tailored to your needs.
This blog post is meant to be informative and should not act as a self-diagnosis tool. If you’d like to see one of our doctors, please contact us here.
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