Cubital Tunnel Syndrome

Elbow

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Cubital tunnel syndrome is a set of symptoms that may occur if the ulnar nerve in your elbow gets pinched. This may happen if you bend or lean on your elbows often.

Your Cubital Tunnel

The cubital tunnel is a groove in a bone near your elbow. This narrow groove provides a passage for the ulnar nerve, one of the main nerves in your arm. The ulnar nerve can cause “funny bone” pain if your elbow gets bumped. Your cubital tunnel helps protect this nerve as it passes through your elbow and down to your fingers.

Compressing the Ulnar Nerve

what is cubital tunnel syndrome symptoms

Bending your elbow compresses the ulnar nerve inside the cubital tunnel. The nerve can get inflamed (irritated) after constant bending and pinching or after getting hurt. Over time, this can lead to pain or numbness. The pain is often felt in your ring and little fingers.

Bending your elbow as you hold a phone can cause problems over time

What Are Its Symptoms?

Numbness or tingling in ring and little fingers
Loss of finger or hand strength
Inability to straighten fingers
Sharp, sudden pain when elbow is touched

The Road to Healing

You can keep cubital tunnel syndrome from flaring up. Avoid pinching the ulnar nerve by keeping your arm straight as much as you can, even while sleeping. And use phone headsets and elbow pads. If you still have pain, tell your doctor.

Elbow

Your Cubital Tunnel

Compressing the Ulnar Nerve

What Are Its Symptoms?

The Road to Healing

Sports Medicine

Joint Replacement

Hand & Upper Extremity

Foot & Ankle

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