Are you experiencing numbness, tingling, or pain in your hand, fingers, or forearm? If so, you may have cubital tunnel syndrome. This condition is caused by compression of the ulnar nerve.
What is Cubital Tunnel Syndrome?
Cubital tunnel syndrome, also known as ulnar nerve entrapment, occurs when the ulnar nerve is compressed or irritated at the inside of your elbow. The ulnar nerve is one of the three main nerves in your arm and runs from your neck, down your arm, and to your hand.
There are many possible causes of this syndrome, including anatomy, pressure on the elbow, snapping of the ulnar nerve over the medial epicondyle, and stretching. Certain individuals may be at risk for cubital tunnel syndrome, including those with:
- Arthritis of the elbow.
- Bone spurs.
- Cysts near the elbow joint.
- Past elbow fractures or desolations.
- Swelling of the elbow joint.
Common symptoms of cubital tunnel syndrome include:
- Numb or tingling fingers make them difficult to move.
- Intermittent numbness of the hand and fingers.
- Pain on the inside of the elbow.
Treatment Options
In order to diagnose cubital tunnel syndrome, often electromyography (EMG) and/or nerve conduction studies (NCS) are needed.