Overview

What is cubital tunnel syndrome?

Cubital tunnel syndrome arises when the ulnar nerve, which passes through the cubital tunnel (a tunnel of muscle, ligament, and bone) on the inside of your elbow, becomes inflamed, swollen, and irritated.

Who is susceptible to cubital tunnel syndrome?

Some of the factors that may increase your risk of developing cubital tunnel syndrome include:

• Arthritis of your elbow.
• Long periods of bending at your elbow.
• Bone spurs.
• Cysts near your elbow joint.
• History of previous elbow dislocation.
• History of the previous fracture of the elbow.
• Swelling in your elbow joint.

Whatever you have had the above symptoms; it does not make you develop cubital tunnel syndrome automatically. It just puts you at risk of developing the condition than an average person.

What are the symptoms of cubital tunnel syndrome?

The most prominent cubital tunnel syndrome signs and symptoms are:

• Numbness or tingling in the hand or the ring and little finger, particularly when bending the elbow.
• Nightly numbness and tingling
• Arm pain
• Weak grip or clumsiness is caused by muscle weakness in the involved arm and hand.
• Pain on the inside of the elbow, especially when sore

Symptoms of cubital tunnel syndrome often resemble those seen with golfer's elbow-medial epicondylitis. Always see a doctor for a proper diagnosis.

What can cause cubital tunnel syndrome?

Your doctor may not be able to pinpoint a specific cause for your cubital tunnel syndrome. Some possible causes, however, include:

• Anatomy: Over time, the soft tissues of your ulnar nerve could become thicker or contain extra muscle. Both of these can impede the proper functioning of your nerve and result in cubital tunnel syndrome.
• Pressure: An activity as simple as leaning the elbow on an armrest exerts pressure on the ulnar nerve. Compression of the nerve in this area causes one to feel that his or her arm, hand, ring, and pinky finger have fallen asleep.
• Snapping: The ulnar nerve snaps across the medial epicondyle. Irritation is caused when you pull on the nerve repeatedly.
• Stretching: When your elbow bends for a long time, for example, sleeping that way, you will tend to overstretch that particular nerve. Overstretching may cause the cubital tunnel syndrome.

How is cubital tunnel syndrome diagnosed?

A general medical history and a physical examination are usually given as part of the diagnosis of cubital tunnel syndrome. Other diagnostic tests may include:

• Nerve conduction test: This test is performed to determine the rate at which impulses travel down a nerve to find a compression or constriction of the nerve.
• Electromyogram: This is a test that measures nerve and muscle function. You can have this done to assess the functioning of your forearm muscles, which are innervated by the ulnar nerve. If your muscles do not function normally, it can suggest that your ulnar nerve is affected.
• X-ray:This is conducted to look at the bones of the elbow. This may allow doctors to determine whether you have arthritis or if you have bone spurs in your elbow.

How is cubital tunnel syndrome treated?

The best management for cubital tunnel syndrome is to avoid doing the activity causing the problem. Management can include:

• Rest and avoid activity that provokes problems, such as bending the elbow
• Use of a contour elbow support or a foam elbow splint at night (to reduce movement and avoid exacerbation)
• Use of elbow cushions (to prevent chronic irritation from solid surfaces)
• Nonsurgical treatments
• Medication to reduce inflammation (such as ibuprofen or naproxen)
• Nerve gliding exercises as an adjunct to physical therapy

Your doctor will address your concern about the need for surgery if the above treatments are inadequate.

How can I decrease my chances of getting cubital tunnel syndrome?

You can't prevent cubital tunnel syndrome, but there are a few things you can do to reduce your chances of getting it:

• Don't lean on your elbow.
• Don't rest your elbow on the inside of your arm.
• If you need to use a computer avoid resting your elbow in the arm rest if it is a style that rests at your elbow. Sit with your chair up high.
• Sleep with your elbow straight.
• Avoid activities that may make you bend your arm for a long period.

When should I call my doctor?

Call your doctor if your symptoms of cubital tunnel syndrome are severe or if they have lasted longer than six weeks. You need to seek treatment because cubital tunnel syndrome can lead to the wasting of muscles, resulting from muscle weakening and shrinking in your hand. This makes you very clumsy and experience more pain.

What questions should I ask my doctor about cubital tunnel syndrome?

Consider raising the following questions to your doctor:

• What are the causes of cubital tunnel syndrome?
• What nonsurgical methods are available to help treat the condition?
• Do I require surgery?
• Will I require an overnight stay in the hospital if I have to have surgery?
• Will I need to see a physical therapist?
• How long will it take for the nerve to recover?

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