🧠 What is Cubital Tunnel Syndrome?
Cubital Tunnel Syndrome is a condition where the ulnar nerve (a major nerve in the arm) becomes compressed or irritated as it passes through the cubital tunnel — a narrow space on the inside of the elbow (your “funny bone” area).
📍 Where is the Ulnar Nerve?
The ulnar nerve runs from your neck → shoulder → down your arm → through the elbow → into the ring and pinky fingers ✋
It controls sensation and some hand muscle movements
⚠️ Causes
💪 Repeated elbow bending or prolonged elbow pressure
💥 Trauma to the elbow (bumping the “funny bone”)
🛌 Sleeping with a bent elbow
🧰 Occupations involving repetitive elbow use
🦴 Bone spurs or arthritis
❗ Symptoms
🧊 Numbness or tingling in the ring and pinky fingers
⚡ Shock-like pain in the elbow or forearm
🐌 Weak grip or clumsiness in the hand
🏽 Worsens when elbow is bent (e.g., phone use, driving)
✋ Hand muscle wasting (in severe or chronic cases)
🩺 Diagnosis
👨⚕️ Clinical exam (tapping the nerve causes tingling = Tinel’s sign)
📏 Nerve conduction studies (to check signal speed)
🧲 MRI/Ultrasound (to view structural issues if needed)
🛠️ Treatment Options
🟢 Non-surgical:
🧤 Elbow splint (especially at night)
🧊 Ice and anti-inflammatory meds
📦 Activity modification (avoid pressure on the elbow)
🧘♂️ Nerve-gliding exercises (physical therapy)
🔴 Surgical (if severe or persistent):
🔧 Ulnar nerve decompression (release pressure)
🔁 Nerve transposition (move nerve to a safer location)
🦴 Removal of bone spurs (if needed)
⏱️ Recovery
Mild cases: 🕐 Weeks to months with non-surgical care
Surgery: 🧘 Rehab starts soon after; full recovery in a few months
🛡️ Prevention Tips
🛏️ Don’t sleep with your elbows bent tightly
🧤 Use padding if leaning on elbows at a desk
🧘 Stretch and strengthen arm muscles
⏸️ Take breaks from repetitive elbow-bending tasks