5 causes of ulnar nerve pain and how physical therapy can help

The ulnar nerve is a long nerve that runs down the shoulder to the hand. It helps your hands do fine motor skills like writing and gripping. If the ulnar nerve becomes damaged, it can cause pain, weakness, tingling and difficulty moving. Ulnar nerve entrapment is the most common type of nerve compression in the arm after carpal tunnel syndrome. About 1.8% of the U.S. population experiences a form of ulnar nerve pain called cubital tunnel syndrome, which can make everyday tasks more challenging.  

Fortunately, physical therapy at KC Rehab may help relieve pain and improve movement, so you can use your hand more easily. By identifying and addressing the underlying cause of ulnar nerve pain, a physical therapist can recommend exercises or other physical therapy techniques to reduce discomfort. The earlier you get treatment, the earlier you may be able to feel better again.

5 possible causes of ulnar nerve pain

There are many different potential causes of ulnar nerve pain. No matter what the cause, common symptoms include tingling, numbness, weakness or pain in the hand, elbow or forearm. These symptoms can make it harder to open a jar, button your shirt or type on your laptop. The good news is that a physical therapist can perform an evaluation and develop a personalized treatment plan designed to ease the pain, improve mobility and strengthen the surrounding muscles. 

Here are five common causes of ulnar nerve pain and symptoms to look for, and how physical therapy can help:

1. Compression at the elbow

Ulnar nerve compression can occur when the nerve is pinched at the elbow. 

Symptoms may include:

• Numbness or tingling in the hand, particularly the ring or pinkie fingers

• Pain on the inner side of the elbow that shoots down to the hand

• Difficulties with gripping or fine motor control

A physical therapist can demonstrate nerve gliding exercises as well as stretching and strengthening movements to decrease pressure on the nerve and improve range of motion.

2. Trauma to the elbow or wrist

Direct injuries like fractures, dislocations or hitting your funny bone can damage the ulnar nerve.

Symptoms may include:

• Sudden or persistent pain after injury

• Numbness or tingling in the hand

• Weakness or difficulty gripping

Physical therapy can help increase mobility and strengthen muscles around the joint, helping the nerve recover from injury.

3. Repetitive motions

Frequent elbow bending, leaning on your elbow, or repetitive movements like typing or lifting can irritate the ulnar nerve. 

Symptoms may include:

• Pain in the elbow, wrist or hand

• Numbness, tingling or weakness 

• Clumsiness or poor coordination

A physical therapist can guide you through exercises to help relieve nerve pressure, prevent further irritation, and improve arm and hand strength. They may also recommend lifestyle modifications to reduce pain, like taking breaks from typing or other repetitive tasks.

4. Arthritis

Inflammation in the elbow joints or wrist from arthritis can compress or irritate the ulnar nerve. 

Symptoms may include:

• Numbness or tingling in the ring and pinkie fingers

• Pain on the inside of forearm and elbow

• Stiffness in the elbow, especially after using it

Physical therapy can improve joint mobility, reduce inflammation, relieve pain and strengthen the surrounding muscles, which helps protect the ulnar nerve.

5. Bone spurs or tumors

Abnormal growths like bone spurs or tumors can press on the ulnar nerve, causing pain in the elbow and wrist.

Symptoms may include:

• Pain, numbness and tingling 

• Decreased coordination or weakness

• Burning sensations

A physical therapist can guide you through exercises that can alleviate pain, improve mobility and build muscles around the affected area. Manual therapy can also be used, which involves massage-like, hands-on movements to help reduce inflammation and improve mobility.

Find expert support easing ulnar nerve pain at KC Rehab

Ulnar nerve pain can make simple daily tasks like writing more challenging. Fortunately, physical therapy can help alleviate this pain and make it easier to move your arm, elbow and wrist. Whether your ulnar nerve pain was caused by an injury, arthritis or pressure, physical therapy may be able to improve your quality of life. It can be customized to your needs, helping you regain mobility, relieve pain and do your activities more easily again.

At KC Rehab, our physical therapists can work with you to help you move and feel better again. We’ll work with you one-on-one to identify the root cause of your ulnar nerve pain and develop a personalized plan to help alleviate it. The first step is as easy as reaching out to us, and we’ll support you throughout your treatment.

Contact our team today for more information or to schedule an initial appointment.