Cubital Tunnel Syndrome

OPA treats a wide variety of upper extremity conditions and offers comprehensive treatment options — including many non-surgical solutions.

What is Cubital Tunnel Syndrome?

The ulnar nerve is an important nerve. The ulnar nerve starts in the neck and runs to the fingers. The ulnar nerve passes through the cubital tunnel—a narrow space on the medial (inside) part of the elbow. Cubital tunnel syndrome is compression of the ulnar nerve in the cubital tunnel.

Common Causes:

    • Chronic elbow pressure
    • Repetitive use of the elbow
    • Sleeping with your elbow bent

Symptoms of Cubital tunnel may include:

  • Tingling and/or numbness in the 4th and 5th fingers
  • Hand weakness
  • Elbow and/or forearm pain

When you arrive for your initial consultation, an Orthopedic Physicians Alaska (OPA) Hand Specialist will evaluate your areas of concern, discuss your symptoms, and develop a customized and comprehensive treatment plan tailored to your unique needs. This evaluation is a necessary part of diagnosing your condition and providing the best possible care.

When diagnosing cubital tunnel syndrome, our experts will provide:

      • A medical, injury, and symptom history review
      • A physical examination
      • Multiple view x-rays ( to rule out a fracture) nerve conduction study and electromyography.

Once an official diagnosis is made, a customized treatment plan is prescribed. Treatment plans decrease symptoms as quickly as possible.

Common Treatments:

Nonsurgical treatment options treat most cases of cubital tunnel syndrome. Many treatment options are available. A customized treatment plan usually includes a combination of the following:

Bracing
A day and/or night brace keeps the elbow straight and takes the pressure off the nerve.
NSAIDs

Decrease inflammation and pain.

Physical Therapy
An OPA approved hand therapist can help you maintain your motion and function

Schedule Appointment with Our Hand | Wrist | Elbow Team

Questions?

The OPA team includes Alaska’s leading specialists and offers some of the latest, most advanced treatment procedures available today.

OPA treats a wide variety of conditions and offers comprehensive treatment options — including many non-surgical solutions, minimally invasive arthroscopies (repairs) and total joint replacement.

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