When there is pressure on the ‘funny bone’ nerve, otherwise known as the ulnar nerve, you may feel a tingling sensation in the right and small fingers or pain in the forearm. Stretching and pressure on this nerve can also cause weakness of the hands.
What is Cubital Tunnel Syndrome?
The ulnar nerve is one of the three main nerves in the arm and runs all the way down from the neck to your hand. If this nerve is constricted in any way, such as right beneath the wrist or under the collarbone, you will develop cubital tunnel syndrome.
Common symptoms of this condition include: numbness and tingling of the hands and fingers; weakness in the hands; and pain in the forearm. This condition usually develops when direct pressure is applied to the arm or hand and the fingers fall asleep. It can also occur when the elbow is bent for long periods of time. If the ulnar nerve doesn’t stay in place, the movement can irritate the nerve and prevent it from working correctly.
Dr. Kilaru can perform an evaluation to determine whether the ulnar nerve is causing the symptoms you are experiencing and recommend an appropriate treatment plan.
Treatment for Cubital Tunnel Syndrome
In many cases, patients can get relief from symptoms without surgery. The first step is usually to avoid any activities, especially repetitive injuries, that are causing the problem. You may be advised to wrap a pillow or towel around your elbow or wear a splint at night to prevent the elbow from bending. You can do certain types of exercises to avoid putting too much pressure on the nerve.
Surgical intervention is usually only necessary in severe cases. Surgery usually involves releasing the nerve or moving the nerve to a new position so it can function correctly. Therapy after surgery can help with recovery and to restore full range of motion.
What to Expect with Cubital Tunnel Surgery
It can take a few months to recover after surgery and some symptoms may not go away completely. Dr. Kilaru will provide you with details about expectations from your procedure and what to expect during the recovery phase. Results vary from patient to patients and depend on the severity of the condition.
If you have symptoms of cubital tunnel syndrome or think you may need surgery, schedule a consultation with Dr. Kilaru today.
