Cubital Tunnel Syndrome
What is Cubital Tunnel Syndrome?
Cubital tunnel syndrome happens when the ulnar nerve on the inside of the elbow becomes inflamed, swollen, and irritated. It feels a lot like the pain you feel when you hit your “funny bone,” which is actually your ulnar nerve. The cubital tunnel is a tunnel of muscle, ligament, and bone on the inside of your elbow that the ulnar nerve passes through.
Cubital Tunnel Syndrome Causes
Some causes of cubital tunnel syndrome are:
- Bending the elbow often
- Leaning on the elbow often
- Injury or trauma to the area
- Arthritis
- Bone Spurs
- Previous fractures or dislocations
Cubital Tunnel Syndrome Symptoms
The following are the most common symptoms of cubital tunnel syndrome:
- Numbness and tingling in the hand or ring and little finger, especially when the elbow is bent
- Numbness and tingling at night
- Hand pain
- Weak grip and clumsiness due to muscle weakness in the affected arm and hand
- Aching pain on the inside of the elbow
Cubital Tunnel Syndrome Diagnosis
Our elbow specialists will be able to determine if your elbow pain is the result of cubital tunnel syndrome, using the latest diagnostic tools. Your doctor will assess your symptoms, conduct an examination, and may order additional tests such as:
- Nerve conduction test - determines if there is compression or constriction of the nerve
- Electromyogram (EMG) - checks nerve and muscle function
- X-ray - determines if you have arthritis or bone spurs in your elbow
Cubital Tunnel Syndrome Treatment
Our elbow specialists can determine the best course of treatment for your cubital tunnel syndrome. In many cases, the best treatment is stopping the activity that is causing the problem.
- Rest or activity modification
- Splint or brace worn at night to limit movement
- Using an elbow pad
- Anti-inflammatory medicines
- Nerve gliding exercises
- Surgery, if necessary