Cubital Tunnel Syndrome

The ulnar nerve, also known as your “funny bone," runs from your neck to the end of your ring and pinky fingers. Injury to the ulnar nerve can cause cubital tunnel syndrome. The result is often pain, numbness, tingling and weakness in the arm and forearm.

Diagnosing Cubital Tunnel Syndrome

The best way to prevent cubital tunnel syndrome is to avoid prolonged flexing of your elbows. Cubital tunnel syndrome often occurs in people who repeatedly bend their elbows by pulling, reaching or lifting. Other causes of cubital tunnel syndrome include:

• Arthritis
• Bone spurs
• Elbow dislocatio
• Frequent leaning on your elbow
• Injury to the elbow area
• Previous fractures of your arm or elbow

Signs & Symptoms

People can experience different symptoms of cubital tunnel syndrome. The most common symptoms include:

• Aching inside your elbow
• Clumsiness due to weak hand or arm muscles
• Hand pain
• Numbness in your hand and/or ring and pinky finger
• Pain inside the elbow
• Pain/numbness/tingling when the elbow is bent
• Tingling in your hand and/or ring and little finger
• Weak grip

Diagnosis

We diagnose cubital tunnel syndrome with a physical exam and a review of your health history. If your doctor needs more information, they may order the following tests:

• Electromyography (EMG)—measures nerve and muscle function to test the muscles controlled by the ulnar nerve.
• Nerve conduction test—evaluates how quickly a signal can travel down a nerve. This test can find nerve compression or constriction.
• X-ray—creates images of your bones and their surrounding soft tissues to check for bone spurs or arthritis in your elbow.

Treatments for Cubital Tunnel Syndrome

Nonsurgical Treatments

We can typically treat cubital tunnel syndrome with nonsurgical treatments. The most common treatments for cubital tunnel syndrome include:

• Anti-inflammatory medications (NSAIDs)
• Avoid activities that aggravate the elbow
• Elbow pads to prevent irritation from hard surfaces
• Exercises that encourage your nerves to glide normally as you move your joints
• Rest to prevent bending the elbow whenever possible
• Splint to reduce irritation overnight

Surgical Treatments

If conservative treatments don’t relieve your symptoms, your doctor may recommend surgery to take the pressure off the ulnar nerve.