Cubital tunnel syndrome is a disorder that occurs when the elbow, which travels between the ulnar nerve, is compressed where it passes. The ulnar nerve, coming out of our spine, activates some of the muscles in our hands, and provides our sense of sensation in our little and ring fingers.
What is Cubital Tunnel Syndrome?
The ulnar nerve, coming out of our spine, activates some of the muscles in our hands, and allows us to feel sensation in our little and ring fingers. As the nerve descends into the arm, it passes anteriorly in a bony protruding region called the "medial epicondyle" (elbow pit) at the elbow.
This point is quite close to the surface. With a sudden touch on this area, temporary stimulation of the ulnar nerve can often be experienced. It can cause pain or cause tingling in the hand. That's why this area is often known as the "funny bone." If the nerve is under excessive pressure or stretched regularly, longer-lasting ulnar nerve symptoms may occur.
What are the Symptoms of Ulnar Nerve Compression?
In case of compression, one or more of the following may be experienced.
- Pain around the elbow and hand,
- Tingling and loss of sensation in the little finger and ring finger,
- Weakness in some muscles in the hand,
- Small and inability to straighten ring fingers,
- Less grip strength,
- Difficulty in coordination.
What are the Causes of Cubital Tunnel Syndrome?
There are many causes of cubital tunnel syndrome, but it is always caused by compression or irritation of the ulnar nerve. With age, nerves become more sensitive. It has been found that the feeling of discomfort is often associated with a particular activity. Some of these are;
- Folding the elbow for a long time,
- Sleeping by folding the elbow (as it will cause tension of the nerve tissue),
- Painting for a long time, playing the guitar such as bending and straightening the elbows repeatedly,
- Soft tissue thickening around the elbow,
- Growth in the bones around the elbow,
- Experiencing a nerve-compressing blow,
- Rubbing of the nerve to the underlying bone during movements of the elbow
- Joint deformitydi r (including arthritic changes or fractures).
What are the Non-Surgical Treatment Methods for Nerve Compression?
In order to successfully treat cubital tunnel syndrome, it is necessary to address the problem. It is necessary to detect and prevent the activity that causes it. Thus, it is possible to reduce the pressure on the nerve. It should examine in detail daily and professional activities, including work and leisure time, to find the underlying problem. The method of doing an activity that may cause symptoms should be changed.
What Are the Most Common Causes of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome?
- Bending the elbow at night (especially the wrist will be bent backwards) should not be kept for long periods of time (eg, sleeping on the arm by placing it under a pillow). Using a pillow or soft towel or night splint that will be wrapped loosely on the elbow will be protective.
- Avoiding activities that involve repetitive elbow folding and straightening,
- Not to spend a long time with the arms tied in front,
- Activities that put direct pressure on the ulnar nerve should be avoided (eg, leaning the elbow while talking on the phone).
- If symptoms worsen at night, splints can be used. This is designed to keep the elbow in the most comfortable position to reduce strain on the nerve.
- An elbow pad can be worn to reduce direct pressure on the nerve in daily activities (eg computer use). are applications. Patients who do not get relief within 3 months with non-surgical treatments may need to be evaluated for surgical treatment.
How is Surgical Treatment in Carpal Tunnel Syndrome Performed?
In patients whose symptoms cannot be controlled by medical treatment, the ulnar junction at the elbow pit may need to be evaluated. Surgical intervention may be considered to reduce the pressure on the nerve.
The soft tissue in the area called the cubital tunnel is opened and the pressure on the ulnar nerve is reduced by relaxing the muscles.Read: 20
