Have you ever smacked your “funny bone?” It’s probably a safe bet to say that everyone has!
However, did you know the torturesome pain you got after that smack is not really from hitting a bone at all? Rather, the culprit is the ulnar nerve.
This same nerve is also the culprit in a common condition known as cubital tunnel syndrome. The ulnar nerve passes through a fairly unprotected area under a bony bump on the inside of the elbow. When this nerve becomes compressed between this bone and skin in a tunnel called the cubital tunnel, it can result in numbness, tingling and pain.
“We see quite a few cases of cubital tunnel, as it is the second most common nerve entrapment behind carpal tunnel syndrome,” says Van Huffine, certified hand therapist and VP of Operations with ATI in Indiana. “When we are evaluating a patient with an ulnar nerve disorder, the most common reported symptom is numbness and tingling at the ring and small finger. They may also show signs of hypersensitivity at the elbow with decreased use of the small muscles of the hand, leading to decreased fine motor coordination and grip strength.”
Van adds that this syndrome is also more common in individuals who have diabetes and hypothyroidism. And, in severe cases, you may also see wasting of the muscles in the hand.
“Most instances we see in the clinic setting are due to repetitive or sustained elbow motion at end ranges, sustained excessive pressure at the elbow, or a trauma injury to the elbow region,” Van said.
Signs and Symptoms of Cubital Tunnel Syndrome
- Pain, numbness and tingling – usually when there is pressure on the nerve/elbow area or repetitive bending/straightening of elbow.
- Tingling in ring and little fingers
- Tenderness on inside of elbow
- Weakness when pinching
Causes of Cubital Tunnel Syndrome
- Repetitive pressure on ulnar nerve – leaning elbow on hard surface repeatedly
- Sustained bending of elbow
- Intense and repetitive physical activity
- Traumatic elbow injury
How Physical Therapy Can Help
Treatment for cubital tunnel syndrome includes a lot of patient education, and identifying and modifying / limiting what may be causing the inflammation of the nerve. This would include ergonomic considerations and changes to patterns of activity that may be completed at the home. Therapists can provide specific elbow padding for work or leisure activity, while splinting the elbow at night to limit any end range motion that may increase compression. Therapy will also include ulnar nerve gliding exercises and modalities to help decrease the patients reported symptoms.
If you are experiencing the symptoms of cubital tunnel syndrome, stop by any ATI Physical Therapy for a Complimentary Injury Screening. ATI can evaluate your injury and provide you with options for continued care. You’ll be seen by a licensed provider who will provide appropriate recommendations.