Cubital Tunnel Syndrome

Overview

 

Cubital Tunnel Syndrome (CTS) is a⁢ condition ​that affects the ulnar ⁤nerve, the⁤ nerve that runs on the inside of the elbow.‌ This nerve provides⁤ sensation to your ring and little fingers and controls‌ some of the muscles in your ​hand. When this ​nerve is compressed or stretched,​ it can⁣ cause numbness and ⁤tingling in the fingers, hand weakness, and sometimes pain – all common symptoms of‌ CTS.

The condition is relatively⁤ common, particularly ⁢in those ⁢who perform repetitive elbow movements, or consistently lean on their elbow. Like its more popular cousin, carpal tunnel syndrome, ⁤which affects the wrist, cubital tunnel syndrome can‍ greatly⁢ impact ⁣your daily activities and overall quality of life.

Types

 

There are no identified types ⁣or subtypes of cubital tunnel syndrome. However, the severity ⁢of ⁢the condition can vary from patient to patient, with some​ experiencing ‍mild short-lived⁢ symptoms and others experiencing severe or persistent symptoms.

Causes

 

Cubital⁢ Tunnel Syndrome is primarily caused by pressure or stretching of the ulnar nerve. Several factors can contribute ‍to this, including:

    • Repeated‍ bending‍ of the elbow, such⁤ as when ⁢using a computer or doing manual work

 

    • Leaning on your elbow for long periods of time

 

    • Bone spurs or arthritis in the‌ elbow

 

    • Fluid build-up in the elbow which can put pressure on⁢ the ⁤ulnar nerve

 

Symptoms

 

Common symptoms ⁢of⁢ Cubital Tunnel Syndrome include:

    • Numbness and tingling in‍ the ring and little fingers

 

    • Weakness in‌ the ⁢hand

 

    • Difficulty with finger⁣ coordination (for example, typing or playing a musical instrument)

 

    • A decreased ability to grip ⁤objects

 

Less common symptoms⁣ can include:

    • Pain in ​the forearm

 

    • A feeling of⁤ the pinky and ring fingers “falling asleep”

 

    • Curling up of⁣ the ring and little fingers

 

Diagnosis

 

Your healthcare provider will usually diagnose cubital tunnel‍ syndrome through a physical examination and by asking about your symptoms and medical history. They may also suggest conducting:

    • Nerve conduction studies to measure how well and how fast the nerves ⁢can send electrical signals

 

    • Electromyography ‌(EMG) to diagnose muscle‌ disorders and⁢ nerve damage

Treatment⁣ Options

 

The ​treatment options for Cubital Tunnel Syndrome‌ fall generally into two categories:

  • Conservative (non-surgical) treatments
  • Surgical treatments

 

Conservative treatments are usually ⁤the first course of action⁣ and can include:

      • Wearing‍ a splint or supportive​ brace

 

      • Taking anti-inflammatory drugs

 

      • Performing nerve gliding exercises

 

      • Modifying your activities to⁢ avoid the actions that cause ⁤symptoms

 

If your symptoms ⁢do not improve with ‍conservative treatments, your⁢ doctor ⁢may discuss surgical options with you. These can‍ include:

      • Cubital tunnel release to directly decompress the nerve

 

      • Ulnar nerve‌ anterior⁤ transposition, where the nerve⁣ is moved from behind ‍the elbow to the ‍front

 

      • Medial‍ epicondylectomy, a procedure⁣ that involves removing a part of the bone in the elbow to relieve pressure on the nerve

 

Living With Cubital Tunnel Syndrome

Living⁢ with Cubital Tunnel Syndrome requires ‍some‌ lifestyle adjustments.‌ Here are some ‍practical tips:

      • Avoid activities that require you to keep your ​elbow ⁢bent for long periods

 

      • Protect your elbow from cold temperatures

 

      • Ensure your elbow is‍ not bent ⁣when⁤ you⁤ sleep – using ​a brace ‍can⁢ help⁢ with this

 

      • Regularly perform ⁢nerve‍ gliding exercises ‌advised by your doctor

 

When​ to Seek Help

Impaired hand function, continuous numbness, or intense pain are signs that you ⁤should seek immediate medical attention. If you’re not finding relief from conservative ⁢treatments, or your symptoms are ‍worsening,‌ consult your healthcare provider to discuss further methodologies.

Understand ⁢that every patient’s ‌journey with CTS is different – it’s important to find what​ methods work⁢ best for you. Always consult your⁣ healthcare provider⁢ for personalized advice and⁤ treatment options.