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Cubital Tunnel Syndrome

by Princeton Orthopaedic Associates

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Cubital Tunnel Syndrome

by Princeton Orthopaedic Associates

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Understanding Cubital Tunnel Syndrome

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.

What Causes 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:

  • Repetitive Elbow Flexion: Frequent bending of your elbow, such as during work or sports, can irritate your ulnar nerve.
  • Elbow Injury: Trauma to your elbow, such as fractures or dislocations, can lead to swelling or bone spurs that pinch the nerve.
  • Anatomical Factors: Some people may have a naturally narrower cubital tunnel which increases the likelihood of nerve entrapment.
  • Posture: Poor posture while sitting or sleeping can place undue stress on the elbow and nerve.
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Cubital Tunnel Syndrome Symptoms

The symptoms of cubital tunnel syndrome often manifest as follows:

  • A numbness or tingling in your ring and pinky fingers.
  • Weakness in your grip strength, particularly in your affected hand.
  • A feeling of clumsiness when you are handling objects.
  • Pain that radiates from your elbow to your hand, especially when your elbow is flexed for prolonged periods.

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.


Why you can trust us:

  • We have multiple highly specialized,  board-certified, fellowship trained orthopaedic surgeons.
  • We know that we serve people - actual humans - not random orthopaedic conditions. That drives us to compassionate care.
  • The world of orthpaedics is constantly evolving.  Our orthopaedic surgeons are constantly evaluating new techniques, tools and methods to serve our community even better.
  • We provide outcome-focused treatment. We work with our patients to achieve their goals, all while developing custom treatment plans that fit our patient's lives.

Want to know more? Visit our website.


Cubital Tunnel Syndrome Symptoms vs. Carpal Tunnel Syndrome Symptoms

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.

Below is a quick comparison of the symptoms:

Cubital Tunnel Syndrome

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

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

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

What Causes Cubital Tunnel Syndrome Symptoms?

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.

Cubital Tunnel Syndrome Treatment

Prevention can be the first line of treatment for cubital tunnel syndrome. You can help prevent it by making some easy lifestyle adjustments.

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Common lifestyle adjustments for cubital tunnel prevention may include:

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.

Caring for Cubital Tunnel Syndrome

Once diagnosed, it is important to take the proper steps to manage and alleviate your symptoms effectively.

At-Home Treatments

  1. Rest: Allow your elbow to recover by reducing activities that exacerbate symptoms.
  2. Cold Therapy: Apply ice to your elbow for 15-20 minutes at a time to help reduce your pain and inflammation.
  3. Cubital Tunnel Syndrome Brace: Wearing a brace can help keep the elbow straight and reduce pressure on the ulnar nerve.
  4. Pain Relief: Over-the-counter medications, such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen, can help you manage the discomfort.

What to Avoid

  • Prolonged Elbow Flexion: Avoid activities that require holding the elbow bent for extended periods, such as talking on the phone without a headset.
  • Repetitive Movements: Limit repetitive movements that irritate the elbow, like typing or playing musical instruments.

Cubital Tunnel Syndrome Exercises

Performing cubital tunnel syndrome exercises, gentle stretches and strengthening exercises, can help relieve tension around the ulnar nerve. Here are a few recommended exercises:

Meet our orthopaedic specialists:

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Are you suffering from pain?

Please contact us! We'd love to help.

If you have pain, please contact us and schedule an appointment. We have urgent care facilities all over New Jersey for your convenience.

When to Seek Help from POA's Orthopaedic Surgeons

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:

  • Persistent pain or numbness that disrupts daily activities.
  • Weakness in grip strength that is affecting your ability to perform tasks.
  • Symptoms that worsen over time or do not improve with home treatment.

What Type of Orthopaedic Surgeon Should Be Seen?

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.

What Does Treatment Look Like?

Treatment for cubital tunnel syndrome may vary based on the severity of the condition:

  1. Non-Surgical Options: Initial treatments may include physical therapy, corticosteroid injections, and continued use of a cubital tunnel syndrome brace. A physical therapist may be able to help you with specific exercises that can improve flexibility and strength.
  2. Surgical Options: If conservative treatment approaches aren't providing you relief, surgery may be necessary to decompress the ulnar nerve. Surgical options may include:
    • Ulnar Nerve Transposition: Moving the ulnar nerve to a position less likely to be compressed.
    • Cubital Tunnel Release: Enlarging the cubital tunnel to alleviate pressure on the nerve.

When to Seek Urgent Care for Cubital Tunnel Syndrome Symptoms

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.

Need Care Now? POA Has Six Urgent Care Facilities

Monroe

11 Centre Drive
Monroe Twp., NJ 08831

Plainsboro

5 Plainsboro Road, Suite 100
Plainsboro, NJ 08536

Robbinsville

1 Union Street Suite 305
Robbinsville, NJ 08691

Princeton

325 Princeton Avenue
Princeton, NJ 08540

Hillsborough

315 US Highway 206
Hillsborough Township, NJ 08844

Ewing

200 Charles Ewing Blvd. Suite 170
Ewing, NJ 08628

Urgent Care Hours

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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