CUBITAL TUNNEL SYNDROME

CUBITAL TUNNEL SYNDROME - Cubital tunnel syndrome is the effect of pressure on the ulnar nerve, one of the main nerves of the hand. It can result in a variety of problems, including pain, swelling, weakness or clumsiness of the hand and tingling or numbness of the ring and small fingers. It often results in elbow pain on the side of the arm next to the chest. The common cause of all these nerve compression syndromes is increased pressure, usually from bone or connective tissue, on a nerve in the wrist, arm, or elbow. In most cases, cubital tunnel syndrome and radial tunnel syndrome can be managed with conservative treatments. But more severe cases may require surgery to reduce pressure on the affected nerve.

Cubital tunnel syndrome is also known as ulnar neuropathy, is caused by increased pressure on the ulnar nerve, which passes close to the skin's surface in the area of the elbow commonly known as the "funny bone.

Sometimes, cubital tunnel syndrome results from abnormal bone growth in the elbow or from intense physical activities that increases pressure on the ulnar nerve. Baseball pitchers, for example, have an increased risk of cubital tunnel syndrome, because the twisting motion required to throw a slider can damage delicate ligaments in the elbow.

Early symptoms of cubital tunnel syndrome include:

• Pain and numbness in the elbow
• Tingling, especially in the ring and little fingers

THE CONDITION CAUSED DUE TO RESTING ELBOWS ON THE HARD SURFACES SUCH AS UNPADDED TABLES/ ARMRESTS. THE ULNAR NERVE, WHICH FEEDS THE RING & LITTLE FINGERS, CAN BECOME IMPAIRED FROM PRESSURE NEAR THE ELBOWS.