Cubital Tunnel Syndrome occurs when there is pressure on, or an injury to, the Ulnar Nerve where it passes across the back of the elbow. Anyone who has ever felt the sharp pain and tingling from hitting their “funny bone” knows where the superficial (close to the surface) Ulnar Nerve passes. The Ulnar Nerve is the “electric cord” that supplies sensation to the palm side of the little finger and half of the ring finger. It also supplies power to many of the small muscles of the hand.
The Ulnar Nerve travels through a tunnel or groove formed by the Medial Epicondyle (a prominence at the end of the Humerus or large bone of the arm) and the Olecranon Process (the “tip” of the elbow). A strong blow to the elbow, arthritic changes at the elbow or prolonged pressure from resting the elbow on a hard surface (common in long distance truck drivers), can compress the nerve or damage the fascia (a layer of firm, fibrous tissue) that covers it and keeps it in place as the elbow moves.
As we age and our tissues become less resilient and flexible, even sleeping with the elbow in a bent position can put stress on the nerve. A common symptom of mild Cubital Tunnel Syndrome is waking up at night and having to shake the hand out to restore feeling to the little and ring fingers. Sufferers may notice this more in colder weather when they tend to sleep curled up to stay warm.
Symptoms
Numbness and tingling in the ring and little fingers is the most common symptom of Cubital Tunnel Syndrome. There may also be a feeling of pain or aching along the inside of the elbow or forearm. These symptoms may be more noticeable when the elbow is flexed (bent position) during sleep. In severe cases that have gone untreated for a long time, there may be a loss of grip and pinch strength due to muscle weakness.
How a 3-Point Splint Can Help
Protecting the elbow against pressure and prolonged flexion is key to reducing the symptoms of Cubital Tunnel Syndrome.
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