What is Cubital Tunnel Syndrome? What are the Symptoms?

Cubital tunnel syndrome is a disorder that occurs when the ulnar nerve is compressed where it crosses the elbow.

What is Cubital Tunnel Syndrome?

The ulnar nerve, coming out of our spine, works some muscles in our hands, and it allows us to have sensation in our ring finger. 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 very 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,
•  Tinting and loss of sensation in the little finger and ring finger,
•  Weakening in some muscles in the hand,
•  Inability to straighten the little and ring fingers ,
• Less grip strength,
• Difficulty with coordination.

What are the Causes of Cubital Tunnel Syndrome?

There are many causes of cubital tunnel syndrome, but it is always due to 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;

•  Long folding of the elbow,
• Sleeping by folding the elbow (as it will cause tension of the nerve tissue),
• Repeat of the elbows such as painting for a long time, playing the guitar bending and straightening again,
•  Soft tissue thickening around the elbow,
• Growth in the bones around the elbow,
• Experiencing a nerve-compressing blow
• Nerve rubbing against the underlying bone during movements
• Joint deformity (including arthritic changes or fractures).

What are the Non-Surgical Treatment Methods for Nerve Compression?

Cubital tunnel syndrome In order to successfully treat the disease, it is necessary to detect and prevent the activity that is causing the problem. 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 activities that may cause symptoms should be changed.

What Are the Most Common Causes of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome?

The elbow should not be kept folded at night (especially with the wrist bent backwards) for a long time ( e.g. sleeping on the arm placed under the pillow). Using a pillow or soft towel or night splint that will be wrapped loosely on the elbow will be protective.

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 muscles are relaxed, thereby reducing the pressure on the ulnar nerve.

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