Elbow Pain Might be Cubital Tunnel Syndrome

Most people have heard of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome – the common cause of wrist pain believed to be caused by repetitive injuries such as working on a keyboard or operating machinery. But many people have never heard of a related condition called “Cubital Tunnel Syndrome”

Cubital tunnel syndrome causes intense pain similar to the sensation of hitting your “funny bone” in your elbow. But Cubital Tunnel Syndrome is no laughing matter. In fact, it is believed that Cubital Tunnel Syndrome affects as many people as Carpal Tunnel Syndrome – from 2% to 6% of adults – but is just less widely reported.

What is Cubital Tunnel Syndrome?

The ulnar nerve passes through the “cubital tunnel” made of  muscle, ligament, and bone on the inside of the elbow. The ulnar nerve starts in the side of your neck, crosses the elbow and ends in your fingers. The ulnar nerve is actually the same nerve that causes “funny bone” when you strike your elbow.

Cubital Tunnel Syndrome occurs when the ulnar nerve becomes injured and gets inflamed, swollen, and irritated.

What Causes Cubital Tunnel Syndrome?

Cubital Tunnel Syndrome may caused by a variety of things. And in some cases, the cause is not known.

Some of the most common cause of Cubital Tunnel Syndrome include:

  • Repeatedly bending the elbows when pulling, reaching, or lifting,
  • Leaning on the elbow frequently
  • Physical injury to the elbow area
  • Arthritis
  • Bone spurs
  • Previous fractures or dislocations of the elbow can also cause cubital tunnel syndrome. What are the symptoms of cubital tunnel syndrome?

Cubital tunnel syndrome, also known as ulnar nerve entrapment or ulnar neuropathy, is a condition characterized by compression or irritation of the ulnar nerve as it passes through the cubital tunnel, a narrow passageway on the inner side of the elbow. The ulnar nerve is one of the major nerves in the arm, responsible for providing sensation to the little finger and half of the ring finger, as well as controlling certain muscles in the hand.

Cubital tunnel syndrome typically occurs when the ulnar nerve becomes compressed or irritated due to various factors, including:

Pressure on the Elbow Causing Cubital Tunnel Syndrome

Prolonged or repetitive pressure on the inner side of the elbow, such as leaning on the elbow or bending the elbow for extended periods, can compress the ulnar nerve against the bony structures of the cubital tunnel, leading to irritation and symptoms of cubital tunnel syndrome.

Anatomical Variations Causing Cubital Tunnel Syndrome

Anatomical variations or abnormalities in the structures surrounding the cubital tunnel, such as bone spurs, cysts, or soft tissue masses, can contribute to narrowing of the tunnel and compression of the ulnar nerve.

Trauma or Injury Causing Cubital Tunnel Syndrome

Direct trauma or injury to the elbow, such as fractures, dislocations, or repetitive strain injuries, can damage the structures around the cubital tunnel and lead to nerve compression or irritation.

Repetitive Movements Causing Cubital Tunnel Syndrome

Repetitive movements or activities that involve bending and straightening the elbow, such as typing, using tools, or playing musical instruments, can increase the risk of cubital tunnel syndrome by placing repetitive stress on the ulnar nerve.

What are the Symptoms Cubital Tunnel Syndrome?

The pain and other symptoms of Cubital Tunnel Syndrome may seem like other health conditions or problems, so it often frequently is misdiagnosed. It is often mistaken for golfer’s elbow (medial epicondylitis) and other disorders.

The most common symptoms of Cubital Tunnel Syndrome include:

  • Numbness or tingling in the hand, ring finger and/or little finger, especially when the elbow is bent
  • Numbness and tingling at night
  • Hand pain
  • Weakness in grip
  • Clumsiness due to muscle weakness
  • Aching pain on the inside of the elbow

How is Cubital Tunnel Syndrome Diagnosed?

A hand and arm specialist like Dr. Uzma Rehman in Shelby Township, MI is the best medical professional to diagnose Cubital Tunnel Syndrome . She will conduct a complete medical history and physical examination, as well as conduct diagnostic tests for Cubital Tunnel Syndrome.

Diagnostic test for Cubital Tunnel Syndrome may include:

  • Nerve conduction test
  • Electromyogram (EMG)
  • X-ray

How is Cubital Tunnel Syndrome Treated?

The most important step for addressing Tunnel Syndrome is stopping or modifying the activity that is creating the problem, such as repeatedly bending the elbow.

Treatment for cubital tunnel syndrome typically involves conservative measures such as resting the elbow, avoiding activities that exacerbate symptoms, wearing elbow splints or braces to minimize pressure on the ulnar nerve, and performing stretching or strengthening exercises to improve elbow flexibility and muscle function.

In cases where conservative treatments fail to provide relief, or if symptoms are severe or progressive, surgical intervention may be considered to release or decompress the ulnar nerve and alleviate pressure on the nerve. Early diagnosis and appropriate management are essential for preventing complications and restoring function in individuals with cubital tunnel syndrome.

Other treatments for Cubital Tunnel Syndrome include:

  • A splint or foam elbow brace worn at night
  • Using an elbow pad
  • Anti-inflammatory medicines
  • Physical therapy
  • Nerve gliding exercises
  • Steroid injections
  • Surgery (when other treatments don’t work)

Surgery for Cubital Tunnel Syndrome

Surgery for cubital tunnel syndrome, also known as cubital tunnel release or ulnar nerve decompression, may be recommended when conservative treatments fail to provide relief or when symptoms are severe and significantly impact daily activities. The goal of surgery is to alleviate pressure on the ulnar nerve by releasing or decompressing the structures that are compressing the nerve within the cubital tunnel.

During cubital tunnel release surgery, the surgeon typically makes an incision along the inner side of the elbow to access the cubital tunnel and the ulnar nerve. The surgeon then carefully identifies and releases any structures that are compressing or constricting the ulnar nerve, such as tight ligaments, scar tissue, or bony prominences. In some cases, the surgeon may also perform additional procedures, such as medial epicondylectomy (removal of a portion of the bony prominence on the inner side of the elbow) or transposition of the ulnar nerve (moving the nerve to a different position) to further decompress the nerve and prevent recurrence of symptoms.

Following surgery, patients typically undergo a period of postoperative immobilization and rehabilitation to allow the surgical site to heal and to regain strength and mobility in the elbow and hand. Physical therapy may be recommended to help restore range of motion, improve muscle strength, and prevent stiffness or contractures.

Most patients experience significant improvement in symptoms following cubital tunnel release surgery, with relief of pain, numbness, and tingling sensations, and restoration of hand function and grip strength. However, individual outcomes may vary, and close follow-up with the surgeon is important to monitor progress and address any complications.

Cubital Tunnel Syndrome Doctor – Shelby Township

If you think you may be suffering from Cubital Tunnel Syndrome, contact Shelby Township hand specialist Dr. Rehman for a comprehensive evaluation and consultation. She will determine whether Cubital Tunnel Syndrome or another problem is causing your elbow pain – and offer the best treatment protocol for rapid recovery.

As with any medical condition of the hand, wrist or arm, early detection, and a prevention or treatment plan is the most effective way to combat the effects of conditions like Cubital Tunnel Syndrome.

Call Dr. Rehman today to schedule an office visit – and take the first step toward relief from your elbow pain!

Cubital Tunnel Syndrome Doctor: 248.335.2638