Cubital tunnel syndrome (ulnar nerve)
Pins and needles or numbness in the ring and little fingers from a trapped nerve at the elbow. It's treatable, and best caught early.
Cubital tunnel syndrome happens when the ulnar nerve — the "funny bone" nerve — is squeezed as it passes behind the inner elbow. It's the second most common trapped nerve in the arm after carpal tunnel.
What are the symptoms?
- Pins and needles or numbness in the ring and little fingers
- Symptoms worse when the elbow is bent — on the phone, or during sleep
- A weakening grip or clumsiness with the hand in longer-standing cases
- Aching on the inner side of the elbow
What causes it?
Pressure on the nerve can come from prolonged or repeated elbow bending, leaning on the elbow, a previous injury, or simply the anatomy of the tunnel.
How is it diagnosed?
Mr Corner will examine the nerve and hand. A nerve conduction study is often arranged to confirm the diagnosis and gauge its severity.
Treatment options
Without surgery
Mild cases often improve with simple measures: avoiding leaning on the elbow, and a soft splint to stop the elbow bending fully at night.
Surgery
If symptoms persist or the nerve is significantly affected, a procedure to release the pressure on the nerve (ulnar nerve decompression) is very effective. It's usually a day-case operation.
What to expect during recovery
Tingling often eases relatively quickly after surgery, while numbness and strength can take longer to recover, particularly if symptoms were long-standing — which is why early treatment is worthwhile.
Frequently asked questions
Why are my ring and little fingers numb?
These fingers are supplied by the ulnar nerve. Numbness there often points to the nerve being compressed at the elbow (cubital tunnel) — which is very treatable.
Is the surgery major?
No. Ulnar nerve decompression is usually a straightforward day-case procedure, and it's very effective at relieving symptoms when caught in good time.
Take the first step towards a pain-free shoulder or elbow
Book online, call 07590 880438, or send an enquiry. Mr Corner sees patients at Spire Harpenden and One Stop Healthcare, Hemel Hempstead.