5 Telltale Signs of Cubital Tunnel Syndrome and What To Do About Them

5 Telltale Signs of Cubital Tunnel Syndrome and What To Do About Them

Do you experience pain and tingling in your arm and hand? If so, you may be suffering from cubital tunnel syndrome. This condition is caused by compression of the ulnar nerve, which runs through the cubital tunnel (a narrow passageway on the inside of your elbow). In this blog post, we will discuss the 5 telltale signs of cubital tunnel syndrome, as well as what you can do to relieve the symptoms.

What is cubital tunnel syndrome?

Cubital tunnel syndrome is a condition that occurs when the ulnar nerve becomes compressed. The ulnar nerve runs from the shoulder to the hand, and passes through a narrow space at the elbow, known as the cubital tunnel. If this space becomes too narrow, it can put pressure on the nerve, causing pain, numbness, and tingling in the fingers. In severe cases, the nerve may become completely compressed, causing paralysis of the hand.

Cubital tunnel syndrome is often caused by activities that involve bending or stretching the elbow for long periods of time. It can also be caused by conditions that place extra pressure on the elbow joint, such as obesity or arthritis. Cubital tunnel syndrome treatment typically involves hand physiotherapy, splinting or surgery to relieve pressure on the nerve. 

5 signs you may have cubital tunnel syndrome

Cubital tunnel syndrome symptoms and signs include:

1) Tingling or numbness in the ring and pinky fingers. This is often the first symptom of cubital tunnel syndrome, as these are the fingers that are most affected by compression of the ulnar nerve.

2) Weakness in the hand and fingers. As the condition progresses, you may experience weakness or difficulty using the affected hand for tasks such as gripping or grasping objects.

3) Pain in the elbow and forearm. This can range from a dull ache to sharp pains, especially when bending or stretching the elbow.

4) A “funny bone” sensation in the elbow or arm. You may also feel this sensation when tapping on the affected area.

5) Clumsiness or clunkiness of the hand and fingers. This can make it difficult to perform fine motor tasks, such as writing or buttoning a shirt.

Common symptoms of carpal tunnel courtesy of Active Recovery Physiotherapy & Hand Clinic (Read the caption)

What can you do about cubital tunnel syndrome?

If you suspect that you may have cubital tunnel syndrome, it is important to seek medical advice and treatment as soon as possible. Early intervention can prevent the condition from worsening and causing more severe symptoms. Your doctor may suggest hand physiotherapy, splinting, medications, or surgery to relieve pressure on the affected nerve. It is also important to avoid activities that aggravate the condition, such as repetitive bending or stretching.

Why hand therapy is an effective cubital tunnel syndrome treatment?

What is hand therapy?

Hand therapy is a specialized type of physical therapy that focuses on the hand, wrist, and elbow. It can help to improve the range of motion, strength, and function in these areas.

Hand therapy can help to reduce pressure on the affected nerve by stretching and strengthening the muscles that surround it. Hand therapists can also improve range of motion in the elbow joint, and teach proper positioning to avoid aggravating the condition. Like suggesting changes to sleep posture, activities or workplace ergonomics to prevent further aggravation of symptoms.

As well as splinting. One way to treat cubital tunnel syndrome is splinting. By immobilizing the affected arm, splinting helps to take pressure off of the ulnar nerve. This can provide relief from symptoms and help to prevent further damage to the nerve. In some cases, splinting may need to be combined with other treatments, such as physical therapy or surgery. However, for many people, splinting is an effective way to manage cubital tunnel syndrome.

Overall, hand therapy is a safe and effective way to treat cubital tunnel syndrome and improve symptoms such as pain, numbness, and weakness.

What happens if cubital tunnel goes untreated?

If left untreated, cubital tunnel syndrome can progress and lead to more severe symptoms such as muscle wasting and weakness in the hand. In severe cases, it can even result in permanent nerve damage and paralysis of the hand. It is important to seek medical advice and treatment as soon as possible to prevent further complications.

Can Cubital Tunnel Syndrome go away?

Fortunately, cubital tunnel syndrome is often treatable with a variety of conservative measures. These include splinting the elbow, avoiding activities that aggravate symptoms, and undertaking physiotherapy exercises. In more severe cases, surgery may be necessary to release the pressure on the nerve. With proper treatment, many people with cubital tunnel syndrome are able to find relief from their symptoms and improve their quality of life.

In conclusion, it is important to be aware of the signs and symptoms of cubital tunnel syndrome and seek treatment as soon as possible. Hand physiotherapy can be a successful way to manage this condition, along with other interventions such as splinting and avoiding aggravating activities. With proper treatment, many people with cubital tunnel syndrome can see significant improvements in their symptoms and hand function.

If you’re experiencing pain and would like to find a top hand clinic near you just click the “find a clinic near me” button on this page.

5 Reasons to see a hand therapist courtesy of Active Recovery Physiotherapy & Hand Clinic (Read the caption)

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This appointment is your opportunity to tell us what hurts and discover whether physiotherapy or chiropractic care is a good fit for you! During this session, you will talk with a physiotherapist or chiropractor on a phone call (or online) and create the right care plan specifically for your pain. There is no obligation on this session is to find out whether physiotherapy or chiropractic care can help you getting back to doing the things you love in life.

Frequently Asked Questions

To diagnose cubital tunnel syndrome, your doctor will likely perform a physical examination and review your medical history. They may also conduct nerve conduction studies and electromyography (EMG) to evaluate the function of the ulnar nerve. In some cases, imaging tests such as MRI or ultrasound may also be used to assess for any underlying causes of pressure on the nerve, such as a tumor.

Repeated bending and extending of the elbow, such as when typing on a computer or using a mouse, can lead to strain on the muscles that surround the ulnar nerve, potentially causing cubital tunnel syndrome. It is important to take frequent breaks and practice proper ergonomics to avoid strain on the elbow joint. In some cases, using a wrist splint or brace can also help to prevent further aggravation of symptoms.

Carpal tunnel syndrome affects the median nerve in the wrist, while cubital tunnel syndrome affects the ulnar nerve at the elbow. While both conditions can cause symptoms such as numbness and weakness in the hand and fingers, they affect different areas and therefore have different treatment options.

About Nicole Hart

Nicole is a Certified Hand Therapist with over 15 years of physiotherapy experience. She obtained her Bachelor of Human Kinetics in Exercise Science from the University of British Columbia in 2001, and went on to receive a Bachelor of Science in Physical Therapy from the University of British Columbia in 2005. Since 2006, Nicole has worked in private practice in Victoria, specializing in upper extremity rehabilitation. Nicole is a member of the Canadian Society of Hand Therapists, American Society of Hand Therapists and attends the annual BC Hand Society meeting.

Nicole founded Active Recovery in 2017 with the goal of providing exemplary care to all her clients with Shoulder, Elbow, Wrist and Hand injuries. Since then, the clinic has expanded to include three more physiotherapists with specialization in hand therapy that share her philosophy of providing excellent clinical care with an active approach to rehabilitation. Nicole continues to mentor the entire team at Active Recovery to provide excellence in care and the latest in hand therapy techniques and splinting. She enjoys teaching and mentoring and regularly invites students and physiotherapists keen to learn about hand therapy to shadow and learn at the clinic.

Medical Disclaimer:

The information presented in this blog post is for educational purposes and should not be interpreted as medical advice. If you are seeking medical advice, treatment or a diagnosis, consult with a medical professional such as one suggested on this website. The Clinic Accelerator Inc. and the author of this page are not liable for the associated risks of using or acting upon the information contained in this article.

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