Nerve compression syndromes cause symptoms such as pain and weakness. In the case of cubital tunnel syndrome, one of the nerves of the arm and hand, the ulnar nerve, is compressed as it passes behind the elbow. This is the same nerve that causes the tingling sensation of hitting your "funny bone."
Hitting your funny bone is actually a sensation caused by irritating the ulnar nerve behind the elbow. When struck, this causes a shooting sensation and tingling in the hand and the little and ring fingers. The ulnar nerve supplies sensation to these areas and explains the symptoms.
What is cubital tunnel syndrome?
In cubital tunnel syndrome, common symptoms include pain in the hand, including the little and ring fingers, and weakness of the muscles in the hand. These muscles, called the intrinsic muscles of the hand, help with finger movements and grip strength. More severe cases of cubital tunnel syndrome may also lead to weakness of muscles in the forearm.
What is the treatment for cubital tunnel syndrome?
Treatment usually begins with splinting the elbow, especially at night, and anti-inflammatory medications. If these treatments fail, surgery may be necessary, but this is uncommon. Surgery involves either releasing the ulnar nerve from the compression, or actually moving the nerve (an ulnar nerve transposition) to allow more room for the nerve to move behind the elbow.
