Cubital Tunnel Syndrome (also known as ulnar neuropathy) is the lesser-known cousin of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome but causes many of the same symptoms. It’s caused by stretching or putting pressure on the ulnar nerve. This nerve runs from your neck down to the end of your hand and can be compressed along with any point, resulting in other versions of Tunnel Syndrome, but Cubital Tunnel Syndrome is more specifically occurring within the cubital tunnel that resides within the inner part of the elbow. The nerve has small amounts of padding within its tunnel but is extremely prone to incidents of direct pressure on the site. This injury most commonly occurs in people who keep their elbow constantly bent or leaning on a hard surface for long periods. Keeping your elbow bent on a desk or in your sleep can cause the pressure of both the angle and weight to irritate the nerve. Fortunately, by visiting physical therapy in Huntington, a physical therapist can work with you to determine the severity of your case and create a customized treatment plan.
Causes and Symptoms:
Occasionally an impact in the area can cause the swelling necessary, an injury that’s commonly referred to as ‘hitting your funny bone’. Other causes can include:
- bone spurs
- dislocations or fractures within the elbow
- swelling associated with Diabetes.
Patients suffering from Cubital Tunnel Syndrome will experience the sensation of pain or numbness in the elbow with a tingling sensation, otherwise referred to as ‘pins and needles’, originating from the fingers. These symptoms will increase if the elbow remains bent for an extended period of time. With a severe case, patients might experience hand weakness with decreased movement ability and grip.
Treatment:
Early treatment is key to reversing the injury before it progresses further. Alongside anti-inflammatory medications and possible bracing or splinting of the elbow, physical therapy in Huntington can help you partake in gentle nerve gliding exercises in order to prevent future stiffness. In severe cases, surgery might be necessary. You may have to participate in a cubital tunnel release, ulnar nerve anterior transposition, or even a medical epicondylectomy. Following any of these procedures, attending a surgical rehabilitation program with physical therapy in Huntington is critical to your recovery process.
At Island Sports Physical Therapy, our physical therapists will help you regain your strength and motion within your elbow and overall arm. With physical therapy in Huntington, you will be able to return to the same level of ability exhibited before your injury. If you have any questions or want to schedule an appointment, feel free to contact our physical therapists today.
Telephone No.631-421-8700