Cubital Tunnel Syndrome

The symptoms of cubital tunnel syndrome may come and go at first, and get worse when you bend your elbow, such as when driving, reading or speaking on the phone. 

Signs to look out for include: 

• tingling sensations – like a “pins and needles” feeling in your hand or fingers

• pain and numbness in your little finger and ring finger

• pain on the inside of the elbow

As the condition progresses, your symptoms may become constant and include:

• numbness and weakness in the hand – this might make it hard for you to hold onto objects, and make you clumsy

• muscle wasting in your hand, mainly between your thumb and index finger

The ulnar nerve runs from your neck to your hand through a narrow tunnel. It’s a tight fit, and sometimes the nerve may become pinched or squeezed, causing cubital tunnel syndrome.

Why this happens isn’t always understood, but it may be triggered by:

• your anatomy – in some people, the soft tissues over the ulnar nerve get thicker over time, which can stop it from working properly

• pressure to the elbow – everyday activities like leaning your elbow on an armrest can press on the ulnar nerve, and cause it to become squeezed

• snapping – in some people, the ulnar nerve may not stay where it’s supposed to and snap when moved. If this happens repeatedly, it can irritate the nerve

• overstretching – bending your elbow for a long time, like when you sleep, can overstretch the nerve

While anyone can develop cubital tunnel syndrome, you may be more likely to get it if you:

• have arthritis of the elbow

• bend your elbow for long periods of time

• have bone spurs

• have cysts near your elbow joint

• have dislocated or fractured your elbow before

• have swelling at your elbow joint

Cubital tunnel syndrome can usually be diagnosed when a doctor or specialist examines your hand and arm, and asks about your symptoms.

They may also order blood tests to rule out diabetes or thyroid disease and suggest:

• an electromyogram (EMG) – to show how your nerves and nearby muscles are acting

• an X-ray – to check for bone spurs, arthritis, and places where bone might be compressing the ulnar nerve

• nerve conduction studies (NCS) – to confirm cubital tunnel syndrome, and work out which area (or areas) of the nerve have become compressed

It’s not possible to prevent cubital tunnel syndrome completely, but you may be able to reduce your risk by:

• not leaning on your elbow

• not putting pressure on the inside of your arm

• not resting your elbow on your computer chair armrest, if you use it frequently

• sleeping with your elbow straight instead of bent

• avoiding any activity that makes you bend your arm for a long time

If cubital tunnel syndrome isn’t treated, it can lead to certain complications, such as:

• permanent nerve damage

• hand weakness and numbness

• muscle wasting – this may look like you have a "clawed" hand

Mild symptoms of cubital tunnel syndrome may settle on their own with rest. But if symptoms are more severe or constant, treatment options can include:

• splintage – folding a towel and wrapping it around your elbow at night, or with the use of a splint

• medication – certain NSAIDS (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) may help with inflammation and pain

• surgery – a cubital tunnel decompression operation may be needed if other treatments don’t work, or if symptoms are severe. How successful the surgery is depends on how long you’ve had symptoms for and how severe the condition is

At Welbeck, our orthopaedic consultants are experts in their field and are dedicated to providing world-class care to every patient.

With access to colleagues across other specialties, our consultants are also able to refer within the Welbeck ecosystem if required to ensure you receive the treatment you need as quickly as possible, all under one roof.  

All appointments, testing, treatment, and follow-up appointments take place within our state-of-the-art facilities, enabling us to deliver accurate diagnostics and advanced treatments.

Your health is important to us, so we strive to offer same-day appointments whenever possible.

Our consultants are recognised by the major health insurance companies. If you have private health insurance, your treatment at Welbeck can begin once you have obtained authorisation. We also provide care to self-paying patients. Learn more about the different payment options at Welbeck.

Get in touch today to book an appointment.