Cubital Tunnel Syndrome

One of the major nerves that travel through the elbow to the hand and fingers is the ulnar nerve. This nerve passes through the cubital tunnel. The cubital tunnel is a protective space on the outside of your elbow, created by tendons and ligaments, to the outer fingers on the hand. Cubital tunnel syndrome occurs when this safe passage for the ulnar nerve is compromised, resulting in compression or stretching of the nerve running on the outside of the elbow. Our medical team at Medici Orthopaedics & Spine can help those with cubital tunnel syndrome find non-invasive treatments to reduce elbow pain and improve function.

When you hit your “funny bone” and feel a strange sensation, that is the ulnar nerve responding. The ulnar nerve controls the sensation and movement of the outer fingers (pinky and ring finger) and parts of the hand and wrist. Cubital tunnel syndrome occurs when the ulnar nerve is damaged due to long periods of stretching or pressure. Pressure can occur if a person leans on their elbow frequently while driving or sitting at a desk. Stretching occurs when the elbow is left bent for long periods of time, which commonly occurs while sleeping.

Treating Cubital Tunnel Syndrome

Knowing the elbow positions that cause pressure or stretching of the ulnar nerve and avoiding these actions, can help relieve symptoms for many people with cubital tunnel syndrome. Others may require treatment when there is inflammation or joint issues that are contributing to the compression or stretching of the nerve, or if there is nerve damage. For those with ongoing weakness, pain or numbness in the hand or outer fingers due to cubital tunnel syndrome, our physicians at Medici Orthopaedics & Spine will create a personalized treatment plan to offer relief and improved function.

If you have symptoms of cubital tunnel syndrome or have been diagnosed with this condition and need treatment, contact Medici Orthopaedics & Spine to schedule a consultation. We offer non-invasive treatments for elbow injuries and chronic nerve conditions at our clinics in the Atlanta area.