You use your arms and hands for virtually each of your activities throughout the day. It is for this reason that even the dullest pain or tingling sensation can disrupt your day and keep you from doing your tasks.
When it comes to pain and discomfort in your hands, the first thing that would probably come to your mind is the carpal tunnel syndrome. However, you should know that there are other conditions that you can suffer from, such as the cubital tunnel syndrome.
If this is your first time hearing about this, we’re here to help you out! In the sections below, we will be going over some fundamentals you need to know about this nerve compression.
What Is Cubital Tunnel Syndrome?
It is among the most common nerve compressions occurring in the arm, coming second to carpal tunnel syndrome.
Cubital tunnel syndrome is caused by increased pressure on the ulnar nerve at the elbow, which is among the arm’s major nerves. This usually results from bending the elbows often, leaning on elbows, or stretching and pressing on the ulnar nerve for long periods. In some cases, arthritis and previous fractures or dislocations can also cause this condition.
The pressure often causes pain and discomfort along the inside of the arm and hand, as well as tingling, numbness, or burning sensation. If left unaddressed, this may also cause loss of function in the affected hand.
Fortunately, orthopedic hand specialists can help people with this condition by reducing pain and swelling. Furthermore, they offer cubital tunnel syndrome treatment in Jacksonville, FL to help people restore the normal movement and function of their affected hand, wrist, and arm.
What Are the Symptoms of Cubital Tunnel Syndrome?
As mentioned earlier, cubital tunnel syndrome can result from a traumatic incident or develop slowly over time. In the latter case, symptoms typically start as numbness and/or tingling sensation. Some also experience a burning feeling on the inside of the arm and down to the hand.
Aside from that, here are some commonly observed symptoms of this condition:
- Sporadic pain, numbness, and tingling sensation, especially after prolonged bending of the elbow
- Tenderness on the inside of the elbow
- Difficulty with gripping objects
- “Ulnar claw hand,” or the deformation of the hand wherein the small and ring fingers bend inward
How Is Cubital Tunnel Syndrome Treated?
For mild to moderate cases, this syndrome can be treated without any surgery. Your orthopedic hand specialist will assess your condition first and determine the activities that trigger your symptoms. The treatment usually starts with you avoiding those particular activities for a certain period.
However, in more advanced cases, you may be advised to use a splint to take the pressure off the nerve. Then, your specialist will modify your activities and introduce exercises to help you return strength to the muscles in the affected arm.
Finally, surgery will be required for more severe cases. The longer you have been experiencing its symptoms, the more likely you are to need this type of treatment. Aside from the operation, your specialist will also come up with post-surgical rehabilitation to successfully prevent any recurrence of symptoms.
Conclusion
Cubital tunnel syndrome is another common nerve compression in the arm, along with carpal tunnel syndrome. It can develop slowly over time, but it can also be caused by a traumatic injury. Whichever your case is, you should seek the experts as soon as you feel any tingling or numbness in your arms and down to your hands. Your prompt action will enable you to get the treatment you need promptly, prevent further damage, and regain function in your affected arm.
When it comes to the best cubital tunnel syndrome treatment in Jacksonville, FL, you can count on our expertly-trained hand and wrist surgeons to deliver! Make an appointment today and allow us to ease any hand or wrist discomfort you may experience.
