Cubital Tunnel Syndrome: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment
Cubital Tunnel Syndrome occurs when there is increased pressure on the ulnar nerve at the elbow. The ulnar nerve passes under a bony prominence on the inner part of the elbow (the medial epicondyle), commonly known as the “funny bone.” This area is particularly vulnerable to pressure, which can affect the nerve and cause pain, numbness, and tingling in the elbow, forearm, hand, and fingers.
What Causes Cubital Tunnel Syndrome?
Several factors can increase pressure on the ulnar nerve, leading to cubital tunnel syndrome:
- Pressure on the elbow: Resting your arm on a table with the inner part of your elbow may cause temporary numbness. If this happens repeatedly, the discomfort may become persistent.
- Elbow movement: Repetitive straightening and bending of the elbow can cause the ulnar nerve to click over the bony bump, irritating the nerve.
- Sustained elbow bending: Keeping the elbow bent for prolonged periods, such as while sleeping or holding a phone, can stretch the nerve across the medial epicondyle.
- Thickened connective tissue: In some cases, the tissue over the nerve may thicken, adding pressure on the nerve, or variations in the muscle structure around the elbow can also contribute.
Symptoms of Cubital Tunnel Syndrome
The most common symptoms include:
- Pain, numbness, and tingling in the elbow, forearm, hand, and fingers, often in the ring and little fingers.
- Symptoms typically occur when there is pressure on the nerve, such as when resting the elbow on an armrest or with repetitive bending or straightening of the elbow.
- Weakness while pinching, clumsiness, and the tendency to drop things.
- In severe cases, loss of sensation and muscle weakness or atrophy in the hand.
Diagnosis
A doctor will assess your symptoms, check for muscle weakness, and test the nerve’s response to tapping or bending the elbow. They may also evaluate other conditions, such as thyroid disease or diabetes, that could contribute to similar symptoms.
To confirm the diagnosis, your doctor may recommend an electromyography (EMG) and/or nerve conduction study (NCS) to assess nerve function and severity. These tests can also identify other nerve issues, such as a pinched nerve in the neck.
Cubital Tunnel Syndrome Treatment
In mild cases, non-surgical treatments can provide relief:
- Avoiding pressure on the elbow by changing habits, such as not resting the elbow on hard surfaces.
- Wearing an elbow pad over the ulnar nerve and “funny bone” for extra protection.
- Keeping the elbow straight during sleep with a splint.
- Physical therapy to learn strategies for reducing nerve pressure.
If symptoms persist or are severe, surgery may be necessary to relieve the pressure on the nerve. The surgeon may move the nerve to the front of the elbow or place it under a layer of fat, muscle, or within the muscle. In some cases, trimming the bony bump (medial epicondyle) may also be recommended.
Recovery and Post-Surgery Care
Your recovery after surgery depends on the procedure performed. Generally, you will need to avoid lifting or making certain elbow movements for a period. Therapy may be required to help regain full function.
If you are experiencing symptoms of cubital tunnel syndrome, contact South Florida Hand and Orthopaedic Center to schedule an appointment and begin treatment. Call us at (561) 241-4758.