Contact
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Phone: (973) 972-3229
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Fax: (973) 972-0006
Ashley Ignatiuk
MSc, M.D., F.R.C.S. (C)
Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery
Newark
90 Bergen Street
DOC, Suite 7200
Newark, NJ 07101
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Livingston
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22 Old Short Hills Road,
Suite 101
Livingston, NJ 07039
Cubital Tunnel Syndrome
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Cubital Tunnel Syndrome is a condition that involves pressure or stretching of the ulnar nerve aka the funny bone. This can cause a variety of symptoms such as pain in the forearm, numbness and/or tingling in the ring and small fingers or weakness in the hand.
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Initial treatment is to avoid actions that cause the symptoms. If symptoms persist surgery involves relief of the pressure on the nerve through releasing, moving, and/or removing part of the bone. Treatment will vary. Therapy may be needed after surgery and may take months for numbness/tingling to subside, though it may never totally go away depending on the severity.
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Frequently Asked Questions
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Q: What are the symptoms of Cubital Tunnel Syndrome?
A: The symptoms of cubital tunnel syndrome may be vague, however commonly include numbness and tingling of the ring and small fingers, weakness of grip, a clumsy feeling in the hand as well as an aching feeling in the hand and elbow.
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Q: What causes Cubital Tunnel Syndrome?
A: The causes of this nerve problem can be persistent pressure on the nerve, stretching the nerve for a long time (like prolonged bending during sleep) and sometimes it is just a patient’s anatomy wherein the nerve does not stay in place or there is thickness of tissue preventing normal movement.
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Q: What non-surgical options do I have?
A: Initial treatment includes avoiding bending the elbow past 90 degrees for prolonged amounts of time. Keeping the inside of the elbow free from table tops and arm chairs. An elbow pad can be useful as well. Finally Vitamin B6 has been shown to be useful in treating various nerve compression disorders and may be helpful.
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