Cubital Tunnel Syndrome
Cubital tunnel syndrome is a compression of your ulnar nerve that runs around the inside of your elbow. Some may know this as the "funny bone" when you bump it. The ulnar nerve supplies sensation to the small and ring finger and motor function and strength in the forearm and hand.
Ligaments, bones, tumors, cysts, and muscle can compress the ulnar nerve at the elbow leading to cubital tunnel syndrome. Previous trauma, repetative activities, arthritis, and prolonged pressure or flexion of the elbow may increase your risk of getting cubital tunnel syndrome.
Those with cubital tunnel syndrome may wake up with pain or tingling down from the elbow and into the small finger. Severe conditions include constant numbness or weakness in the hand.
Shaking out your arm or keeping your elbow straight may alleviate symptoms. Nerve glide exercises and stretching some of the muscles that compress the nerve may help avoid severe symptoms. Surgery is the definitive treatment for this. If left untreated for long enough, you may end up with permanent weakness in the hand and numbness in the small and ring finger.
