Cubital tunnel syndrome is a painful condition of inner side of elbow and forearm. It develops when the ulnar nerve present in medial (inner) side of elbow is compressed. Cubital tunnel syndrome is the second most common cause of forearm peripheral neuropathy.
There is a bony prominence in the inner side of elbow. Medical term for it is medial epicondyle. The ulnar nerve lies adjacent to medial epicondyle bone. Pressure or injury to the bone and the tissue around it directly hurts the nerve. It leads to tingling numbness, pain in the inner aspect of elbow, lower hand as well as last two fingers.
The condition is completely cured with conservative treatment when it is diagnosed in the early stage. When the symptoms are not relieved with conventional therapy, surgical intervention may be required to release the pressure.
Causes Of Cubital Tunnel Syndrome
Cubital tunnel is a passage situated at the back and inner edge of elbow. The tunnel is formed with the bone, muscle and ligament of elbow joint. Cubital tunnel can be felt as a groove in the inner edge of elbow when the arm is straight. The ulnar nerve passes through this tunnel. As there is less cushion around the nerve in cubital tunnel a mild injury or pressure can irritate the nerve to produce unwanted symptoms.
Several causes are responsible for cubital tunnel syndrome.
- Repetitive and constant leaning on the inner side of elbow may put pressure on the ulnar nerve and irritate it. Cubital syndrome is common in people who lean on their elbow while sitting at the desk.
- The syndrome is also common in people doing occupation which requires repeated bending and stretching at the elbow, for example a machine operator or a man lifting objects.
- Traumatic injury on the elbow, falling on the elbow, fracture of elbow etc.
- The arm may fall asleep when a person unknowingly exerts pressure on his elbow while sleeping. This is common after alcohol intake.
Cubital Tunnel Syndrome Symptoms
Tingling, pain and numbness are the three hall mark symptoms of cubital tunnel syndrome.
- Numbness in the ring and little finger is the early symptom of cubital tunnel syndrome.
- Pain and tingling in elbow, forehand and two last fingers is often felt when the elbow is bent for prolonged period. For example while talking on phone.
- The symptoms aggravate when direct pressure is applied on the nerve. Resting the inner side of elbow on armchair for long hours can put pressure on nerve and produce tingling and numbness feeling in the forearm.
- In serious cases weakness on forearm, wasting and laxity of forearm muscles develop. Holding objects become difficult. Things fall off from hand and wrist.
Natural Remedies For Cubital Tunnel Syndrome
Once cubital tunnel syndrome is diagnosed after clinical examination, EMG etc the doctor may suggest conventional treatment to begin with. Few natural tips are effective in alleviating pain, numbness, and tingling sensation.
- Avoid resting the elbow, especially the inner edge on hard surface for a prolonged period.
- Wear a protective pad on the elbow to minimize pressure on the ulnar nerve.
- Avoid doing frequent repetitive flexion and extension of forearm.
- Keep the hand straight while sleeping. Use splint to keep the arm straight.
- Avoid drinking alcohol before sleeping.
- Massage the area regularly to keep the muscles relaxed.
- Hot fomentation encourages circulation of blood into the tissues around the elbow.
- Acupressure and acupuncture are two other alternative methods that may help to alleviate cubital tunnel syndrome.
- In few cases anti inflammatory medicines are necessary when the pain is unbearable.