Cubital Tunnel Syndrome (CTS) occurs when the ulnar nerve, aka "funny bone" nerve, is compressed or stretched at the elbow. This can lead to numbness, tingling, or a "pins and needles" sensation in the ring and little fingers. In some cases, it may also cause pain in the forearm and weakness in the hand. This is because the ulnar nerve travels through a narrow groove on the inner side of the elbow, which runs close to the body. Several factors can contribute to the development of CTS, including:
Compression: The ulnar nerve has little natural padding for protection. Resting the elbow on hard surfaces, such as an armrest, can put direct pressure on the nerve, leading to tingling, numbness, or a dull sensation. In many cases, adjusting arm positioning relieves the discomfort, but for some individuals, the irritation persists, particularly during sleep.
Stretching: Keeping the elbow bent for prolonged periods can overstretch the nerve, causing irritation. This often happens when holding a book, using a phone, or sleeping with the arm bent.
Anatomy: In some people, the ulnar nerve moves in and out of its groove when the elbow bends, which can cause irritation. Other anatomical issues, such as thickened soft tissues, extra muscles over the nerve, cysts (ganglion), bone spurs from arthritis, or swollen joint tissue from rheumatoid arthritis, can also create pressure and disrupt nerve function.
Trauma: A direct injury to the elbow, such as a blow, fracture, puncture wound, or internal bleeding, can damage the ulnar nerve and contribute to CTS.
Other Medical Conditions: Certain health conditions, including rheumatoid arthritis and diabetes, can increase the risk of nerve compression and contribute to symptoms.
The most common symptoms of CTS include persistent pain, numbness, tingling, weakness, and a dull sensation in specific areas of the hand and fingers. Pain is typically felt along the inner forearm or elbow; the pinky finger (both front and back) and the side of the ring finger closest to the pinky are most commonly affected. The numbness and tingling occur on both the palm and back of the hand, but not on the thumb side - different nerves control that area.
If symptoms extend to the forearm, thumb, index, or middle fingers, another condition may be responsible for the ailment and CTS is likely ruled out. In the early stages of CTS, symptoms may be mild, with occasional tingling or numbness. However, as nerve compression worsens, motor function can be affected, leading to clumsiness, hand weakness, muscle wasting and long-term functional impairment.
Because other conditions may produce similar areas of numbness/tingling, it is important to seek a physical examination to determine your specific issue. If you're experiencing numbness, tingling, weakness, or persistent pain in your hand or fingers, a McBride specialist can assess your symptoms, determine the underlying cause, and recommend the best course of treatment.
Whether it's through simple lifestyle changes, therapy, or advanced treatment options, McBride’s expert care team will work with you to relieve discomfort and restore function. Your hands are essential for everyday life, so McBride looks forward to working with you to determine an effective course of treatment. Self-Schedule an appointment today at mcboh.com or call 405.230.9270.
