🧠 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