H. James Pfaeffle, MD, PhD
Hand & Upper Extremity Care
What are the symptoms and treatment options for cubital tunnel syndrome?
Cubital tunnel syndrome is caused by a pinched ulnar nerve at the elbow. Everyone knows the ulnar nerve as your funny bone. It runs in a groove along the inside of your elbow.
Common symptoms of cubital tunnel syndrome include elbow pain, which travels down the inside of the arm into the ring and small fingers. As with any pinched nerve, there is usually intermittent numbness and tingling.
Patients may also experience weakness in grip and pinch. Symptoms are worse when the elbow is bent or leaned upon.
An EMG (electromyography)/nerve conduction study helps evaluate and diagnose cubital tunnel syndrome. The test identifies a pinched nerve at the wrist, elbow and neck, all of which can cause hand numbness. The disease is graded as mild, moderate or severe.
It is important to treat cubital tunnel syndrome. Left unchecked, the disease will become severe and could lead to permanent nerve damage. The condition can be treated nonsurgically or surgically, depending on the severity of symptoms.