Cubital Tunnel Syndrome occurs when the ulnar nerve gets damaged or gets over compressed. Some sort of irritation also might cause this condition. Ulnar nerve is a long nerve that originates in the neck and travels through the entire length of the arm. So the inflammation or compression might happen at any part of the hand from wrist to the collar bone. If the compression occurs in the elbow region then it is called Cubital Tunnel syndrome. The ulnar nerve also travels further under the muscles and extends to the hand through Guyons Canal. This is responsible for the feelings in the little finger and half the portion of the ring finger.
Causes:
- Bending your elbow brings the nerve in contact with the bone and doing it often in a manner that it gives stress to that region might be a cause.
- Resting your weight for more time on your wrists.
- Building up of unwanted fluid I elbow might cause compression to the nerve.
- A direct impact or a blow to the wrist can also be a cause.
Symptoms:
- Numb feeling in the little finger and the ring finger especially during the period when your elbow is bent
- Weak gripping action
Precautionary measures:
- Do not keep your arm bent for extended period of time.
- Computer users to see that heir chair is not low.
- Leaning and resting on elbows to the avoided.
- While sleeping see to it that your elbow is always straight.
Non-Surgical Treatment:
Anti-inflammatory medications, injecting the appropriate steroids, using braces and splinters and exercises that prompt nerve gliding and release of pressure as suggested by your Physical therapist are the main non-surgical treatments.
Surgical Treatment:
Releasing of the Cubital Tunnel: In this case the cubital tunnel ligament roof is divided in such a way that the nerve receives less pressure during activity. This procedure is suggested if the nerve compression is in minimum.
Ulnar nerve anterior transposition is the surgical treatment when the nerve position is changes so as that it receives less compressive force during activity and rest.
