Table of contents:
- Definition
- What is cubital tunnel syndrome?
- How common is cubital tunnel syndrome?
- Signs & symptoms
- What are the signs and symptoms of cubital tunnel syndrome?
- When should I see a doctor?
- Cause
- AWhat causes cubital tunnel syndrome?
- Risk factors
- What increases my risk for cubital tunnel syndrome?
- Medicines & Medicines
- What are my treatment options for cubital tunnel syndrome?
- What are the usual tests for cubital tunnel syndrome?
- Home remedies
- What are some lifestyle changes or home remedies that can be done to treat cubital tunnel syndrome?
Definition
What is cubital tunnel syndrome?
Cubital tunnel syndrome is a condition in which the ulnar nerve inside the elbow feels pain when pressed. A common cause of cubital tunnel syndrome is increased pressure - usually from bone or connective tissue - on the nerves in the wrist, arm, or elbow.
You are more likely to have cubital tunnel syndrome if:
- Frequently rest on the elbow repeatedly, especially on hard surfaces.
- Bending elbows for long periods, such as when talking on a cell phone or sleeping with your hands under a pillow.
- Intense physical activity that increases pressure on the ulnar nerve.
- Sometimes, this condition can also occur due to abnormal bone growth in the elbow.
How common is cubital tunnel syndrome?
Cubital tunnel syndrome is a common type of peripheral nerve damage. Symptoms can appear in everyone. However, people who are obese are at a higher risk. The ulnar nerve can also be damaged after injury to the elbow, or the use of work instruments that move the elbow repeatedly.
Signs & symptoms
What are the signs and symptoms of cubital tunnel syndrome?
The most common symptoms of cubital tunnel syndrome are pain and numbness in the elbow, upper arm, or fingers. Other symptoms of cubital Tunner syndrome are:
- Tingling in the ring and little fingers
- Weakness of the muscles in the fingers that make it difficult to grasp objects or simply pinch them
There may be other symptoms not listed above. If you have questions about this sign, consult your doctor.
When should I see a doctor?
You need to contact your doctor if you think you have any of the above signs or symptoms. If you have received treatment for cubital tunnel syndrome, call your doctor if your symptoms do not improve or they get worse. If during treatment new symptoms appear, you should contact a doctor.
Cause
AWhat causes cubital tunnel syndrome?
Some of the common causes of cubital tunnel syndrome are:
- Direct pressure on the nerves in the forearm and cubit bones
- Repeated collisions
- Change in shape of the elbow called the valgus ulna (the elbow folds inward)
- Stretched head nerves
- Inflamed or swollen elbow (synovitis)
- Muscle growth (hypertrophy)
Risk factors
What increases my risk for cubital tunnel syndrome?
This disease can happen to everyone. Knowing the risk of worsening the disease and how to prevent it will help you to recover from this condition. Some things that can increase your risk of developing cubital tunnel syndrome are:
- Often rest on the elbow for long periods, especially on hard surfaces
- Fold your elbows and hold them in the same posture for a long time, for example when talking on the phone or your hands under your pillow while sleeping.
- To be a baseball pitcher (baseball pitcher) because the circular motion required for throwing can damage the delicate ligaments in the elbow.
Medicines & Medicines
The information provided is not a substitute for medical advice. ALWAYS consult your doctor.
What are my treatment options for cubital tunnel syndrome?
Treatment of this condition places more emphasis on protecting the nerves from pressure. Some of the things that are often done as a treatment for cubital tunnel syndrome are:
- Change the habit of using the elbows by avoiding the elbows that are folded in the long term (for example, when on the phone).
- Wearing elbow pads and supports at night during sleep is effective.
- Use anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) to relieve pain and inflammation.
You may continue treatment until the symptoms are controlled and the motor problems disappear. Most people get better within a few days to a few weeks.
If the muscles begin to shrink, the patient cannot recover muscle strength even with medication. Surgery may be considered if treatment is ineffective or there are signs of loss of muscle control and mobility.
What are the usual tests for cubital tunnel syndrome?
Doctors diagnose based on medical history and physical examination, X-rays may be used to rule out other conditions. Most cases don't require testing. In some cases, your doctor may perform special tests including tests to measure neurotransmitters and muscle electricity (EMG). This test helps to make a correct diagnosis and rule out other conditions.
Home remedies
What are some lifestyle changes or home remedies that can be done to treat cubital tunnel syndrome?
Healthy lifestyle changes are the best way to prevent further progression of the disease. Some things you can do to treat cubital tunnel syndrome are:
- Visiting doctors and specialists regularly
- Protect your elbows, do not put your elbows on a hard surface for a long time, keep your elbows straight at night with bandages
- See a therapist to learn how to avoid pressure on nerves.
If you have any questions, consult your doctor to find the best solution for you.
If you have any questions, consult your doctor for the best solution to your problem.