Cubital Tunnel Syndrome

WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW:

• Cubital tunnel syndrome is a condition in which there is pressure on the ulnar nerve inside the cubital tunnel. The ulnar nerve starts at your neck and goes down to your fingers. The ulnar nerve goes through a small tunnel in your elbow called the cubital tunnel. The part of the nerve that is inside the tunnel may be pinched, stretched, or inflamed. These problems may cause pain, numbness (loss of feeling), tingling, or weakness in your arm and hand. Your risk for cubital tunnel syndrome is higher if you injure your ulnar nerve. Your nerve may have been injured by a fall. Leaning on your elbow, or bending your elbow too long or too often, may also injure your nerve. Your risk increases if you are obese or you have arthritis or diabetes.
  
  
• Cubital tunnel syndrome usually affects the ring and small finger of your hand. Your caregiver may test for cubital tunnel syndrome by tapping around your elbow. He will ask you if the tapping causes pain or tingling in your finger and small finger. He may also ask you to bend your elbow for three minutes. During this time, he will press on your ulnar nerve to see if it causes any symptoms. Caregivers may also do x-rays, an electrodiagnostic study, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) or an ultrasound. Treatments may include rest, medicine, elbow supports, physical therapy, injections (shots), and surgery. Treatment for cubital tunnel syndrome may allow you to return to sports and other activities.

INSTRUCTIONS:

Medicines:

• Keep a current list of your medicines: Include the amounts, and when, how, and why you take them. Take the list or the pill bottles to follow-up visits. Carry your medicine list with you in case of an emergency. Throw away old medicine lists. Use vitamins, herbs, or food supplements only as directed.
  
  
• Take your medicine as directed: Call your primary healthcare provider if you think your medicine is not working as expected. Tell him about any medicine allergies, and if you want to quit taking or change your medicine.
  
  
• NSAIDs: Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory (NSAID) medicine may decrease swelling and pain or fever. This medicine can be bought with or without a doctor's order. This medicine can cause stomach bleeding or kidney problems in certain people. Always read the medicine label and follow the directions on it before using this medicine.

Ask for information about where and when to go for follow-up visits:

For continuing care, treatments, or home services, ask for more information.

Physical therapy:

You may need physical therapy after your symptoms improve. Physical therapy exercises may strengthen your muscles and help decrease your pain and tingling.

Put ice on your elbow:

Putting ice on your elbow may decrease swelling and pain. Ask your caregiver how to use ice to help your cubital tunnel syndrome before you do so.

Rest your arm:

You may need to rest your injured arm and avoid activities that cause your symptoms. Resting your arm may allow your nerve to heal and feel better. Ask your caregiver when it is okay to return to your normal activities, such as work and sports.

Follow a healthy lifestyle:

Drinking too much alcohol and smoking may make the symptoms of cubital tunnel syndrome worse. Limiting the amount of alcohol you drink and quitting smoking may help to prevent your symptoms from getting worse.

Maintain a healthy weight:

If you are obese, your symptoms may be worse. Your caregiver may suggest that you lose weight. Your cubital tunnel syndrome may improve when you reach a healthy weight. Ask your caregiver about healthy ways to lose weight.

Avoid putting pressure on your elbow:

Certain positions put pressure on the ulnar nerve in your elbow. Leaning on your elbow, or bending your elbow too long or too often, can make your symptoms worse. Wearing a splint or elbow pad may help you avoid putting pressure on your elbow. Ask your caregiver what else you can do to avoid putting pressure on your elbow.

CONTACT A CAREGIVER IF:

• The numbness, pain, tingling, or weakness in your arm, hand, or fingers gets worse.
  
  
• You have questions or concerns about your condition or treatment.

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The above information is an educational aid only. It is not intended as medical advice for individual conditions or treatments. Talk to your doctor, nurse or pharmacist before following any medical regimen to see if it is safe and effective for you.

Learn more about Cubital Tunnel Syndrome (Aftercare Instructions)