If you are having difficulty coordinating your fingers or gripping objects, you know how frustrating it is. It can become difficult to perform your everyday chores or tasks at work.
Instead of waiting for the pain to go away on its own, it is best to contact a physical therapist to diagnose your pain and create a treatment plan for you. One of the causes of such symptoms is cubital tunnel syndrome. Leaving it untreated might result in further complications.
Contact a therapist right away at Polygon PT to discover a pain killer and surgery-free approach to relieving your pain
What is Cubital Tunnel Syndrome?
This is another condition caused by the compression or pinching of a nerve in your elbow; the ulnar nerve.
Cubital tunnel syndrome happens when the ulnar nerve which passes through a tunnel of muscle, bone, and ligament (cubital tunnel) which is on the inside of the elbow becomes injured causing inflammation, irritation, and swelling.
One of the symptoms of cubital tunnel syndrome is pain. You know the kind of pain you feel when you hit your ‘funny bone’? That’s the type. Actually, your funny bone is your ulnar nerve.
The ulnar nerve begins from your neck, crosses your elbow, and runs through to your fingers. The nerve runs behind your medial epicondyle – a bony bump in the inside of your elbow.
What Causes The Cubital Tunnel Syndrome
Most times the cause of the cubital tunnel syndrome is not known. This is because of the small space that it has to pass through, making it vulnerable to pinching or injury.
However, common causes associated with it and risk factors include:
Too much pressure on the elbow (excessive bending or leaning on the elbow)
Bone spurs
Arthritis
Prior dislocations or fractures
Build-up of fluid in the elbow may compress the nerve
What are the Symptoms of Cubital Tunnel Syndrome
Symptom varies among persons. Most of the symptoms occur in your hand, however, you may also experience a dull aching pain inside your elbow.
Symptoms include:
- Tingling and numbness in the ring and middle finger especially when you bend your elbows (for example while driving or holding a phone)
- Difficulty in coordinating your fingers and weakened grip
- Pain in your hand
- Tenderness in the inside of the elbow
- Muscle wasting. This occurs when the nerve has been compressed for a long time. Muscle wasting is irreversible.
The symptoms may also be similar to medial epicondylitis (golfer’s elbow). Diagnosis is needed to confirm and rule out other conditions.
How is Cubital Tunnel Syndrome Diagnosed?
At Polygon PT, a physical therapist will look over your medical history and perform a physical examination. Oftentimes, it will be diagnosed without the addition of other diagnostic techniques. However, your PT may require you to carry out additional testing which include:
- Nerve conduction test
- Electromyogram (EMG)
- X-ray
How is Cubital Tunnel Syndrome Treated?
One of the most effective treatments is to stop the activities that are causing the nerve to be compressed.
However, your physical therapist will create a specific treatment plan for you. This will include
- Resting the elbow
- Using an elbow brace or splint at night to limit movement
- Using an elbow pad. This helps to protect your elbow from hard and rough surfaces
- Nerve gliding exercises
- Placing icepacks on the affected area to reduce pain or swelling
Get Started on Physical Therapy for Cubital Tunnel Syndrome Today
Physical therapy is effective for treating cubital tunnel syndrome. It also eliminates the need for surgery or anti-inflammatory drugs.
It may take a week or less for you to recover completely. Your physical therapist will also advise you on how to prevent cubital tunnel syndrome.
If you are having the symptoms associated with cubital tunnel syndrome, or any other kind of pain, request an appointment with one of our physical therapists today.