Cubital Tunnel Syndrome Capitola

Cubital Tunnel Syndrome

Cubital tunnel syndrome, also called “Ulnar nerve entrapment,” is a condition caused by increased pressure on the ulnar nerve, which passes close to the skin’s surface in the elbow area, commonly known as the “funny bone.” This problem is linked to a tight space in your elbow called the “cubital tunnel.” The ulnar nerve passes through this tunnel, where there is little protection, resulting in the nerve being pressed, pinched, or stretched.

The ulnar nerve gives feeling to the little finger and half of the ring finger. It also controls most of the tiny muscles in the hand that help with fine movements and some of the bigger muscles in the forearm that help you make a firm grip. Most people with cubital tunnel syndrome experience symptoms that may include numbness and tingling in your ring finger, and little finger, the feeling of “pins and needles” in the ring, and little finger when your elbow is bent for an extended period, weakening of the grip and difficulty with finger coordination may occur.

What Causes Cubital Tunnel Syndrome?

Cubital tunnel syndrome can develop when a person bends the elbows often, leans on their elbow a lot, or has an injury to the area. It can also occur because of a problem with the anatomy of your elbow. In many cases, the cause is unknown. Cubital tunnel syndrome can be caused by:

• Arthritis
• Repetitive movement or exercise
• Bone spurs or cysts
• A direct blow to the nerve
• Fluid buildup or swelling
• Leaning on your elbow for extended periods
• Prior injury to the inside part of the elbow
• Fracture of bones near the nerve
• Injury or compression of the nerve in other locations such as the neck
• Cubital tunnel syndrome develops in people of all ages, affecting men more than women

How is Cubital Tunnel Syndrome Diagnosed?

According to the Postgraduate Medical Journal, cubital is the second most common peripheral nerve entrapment syndrome after carpal tunnel syndrome. It represents a source of considerable discomfort and disability for many people and may lead to a loss of function of the hand in extreme cases. Cubital tunnel syndrome is often misdiagnosed because the symptoms are like other health conditions or problems such as the golfer’s elbow.

We are committed to providing the most effective treatment to restore comfort and function and meet patients' needs. During the visit, doctors will perform a complete medical history and physical exam and then order nerve conduction studies to identify the compressed nerve. An imaging test may be required to look for bone spurs, arthritis, or other places where the bone compresses the nerve. Once a correct diagnosis is confirmed, our doctor can discuss the most suitable treatment options for your ulnar tunnel syndrome. Our patients have experienced a significant improvement in their symptoms with our treatment methods.

The best treatment option depends on the specific patient, so if you are considering treatment or showing symptoms of cubital tunnel syndrome that persist for more than a few weeks, give us a call at (831) 200-0880 to schedule an appointment. Our team of professionals is dedicated to successfully identifying and treating the cause of your pain with minimal impact on your quality of life.