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Ulnar Nerve Entrapment of Elbow

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Last updated June 11, 2022

Ulnar nerve entrapment of elbow quiz

Take a quiz to find out what's causing your ulnar nerve entrapment of elbow.

Care Plan

1

First steps to consider

  • Symptoms of ulnar nerve entrapment of the elbow, like numbness and tingling, can be treated at home for a couple of weeks.
  • Treatment often includes avoiding certain activities, wearing a brace or padding to reduce irritating the nerve, and applying ice.
See home treatments
2

When you may need a provider

  • Doing home treatments for about 2 weeks hasn’t helped.
  • Your symptoms are severe.
See care providers

Ulnar nerve entrapment of elbow quiz

Take a quiz to find out what's causing your ulnar nerve entrapment of elbow.

Take ulnar nerve entrapment of elbow quiz

What is an ulnar nerve entrapment of the elbow?

Ulnar nerve entrapment of the elbow is also called cubital tunnel syndrome. The ulnar nerve begins at the spinal cord in the neck and runs down the arm into the hand. This very long nerve can become compressed, or entrapped, by other structures at certain points along the way.

Entrapment often happens in the cubital tunnel, which is the narrow passage at the inside of the elbow.

The exact cause for entrapment is not always known. Fluid buildup and swelling inside the elbow; previous elbow fracture or dislocation; or leaning on the elbow for long periods of time can put pressure on the ulnar nerve inside the cubital tunnel.

Rarity: Common

Symptoms

Symptoms include numbness and tingling of the hand and fingers, sometimes leading to weakness and even muscle wasting in the hand. Symptoms typically last for months and can linger.

Top symptoms

Treatment

You should see a doctor in the next 2 weeks to discuss your symptoms. Your doctor will examine you and may also conduct a blood test and a test that checks the connection between muscles and nerves (nerve conduction test).

Treatment begins with wearing a supportive brace and adjusting activities to avoid irritating the nerve. Surgery is usually not needed unless the nerve compression is causing weakness and loss of use in the hand.

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The stories shared below are not written by Buoy employees. Buoy does not endorse any of the information in these stories. Whenever you have questions or concerns about a medical condition, you should always contact your doctor or a healthcare provider.
Dr. Rothschild has been a faculty member at Brigham and Women’s Hospital where he is an Associate Professor of Medicine at Harvard Medical School. He currently practices as a hospitalist at Newton Wellesley Hospital. In 1978, Dr. Rothschild received his MD at the Medical College of Wisconsin and trained in internal medicine followed by a fellowship in critical care medicine. He also received an MP...
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