Cubital tunnel syndrome: 5 signs you shouldn’t ignore & how to address it

Have you been struggling with pain or tingling in the ring or pinky fingers of one of your hands? These sensations may not seem like a big deal. However, sometimes pain and tingling in the hand may point to a larger issue called cubital tunnel syndrome. 

Cubital tunnel syndrome is a condition that impacts a specific nerve in your arm and elbow called the ulnar nerve. Whenever this nerve is compressed or irritated, it sends signals of pain and discomfort into the hand. Over time, the compression of this nerve can lead to long-term issues. 

Understanding the signs of cubital tunnel syndrome is the first step toward relief. In this article, we explore the signs that typically accompany cubital tunnel syndrome.  

What causes cubital tunnel syndrome? 

Cubital tunnel syndrome can be caused by a number of things. Common causes include:: 

• Bending the elbow for extended periods, such as holding a phone or sleeping with your arm bent

• Leaning on the elbow for too long 

• Impacts to the inner elbow, especially if accompanied by swelling

• Arthritis in the elbow joint

• Repetitive motions of the arm, such as those necessary in sports

There isn’t always a clear answer as to why cubital tunnel syndrome develops, but there are a number of ways to identify it. 

5 signs of cubital tunnel syndrome

The beginning of cubital tunnel syndrome is usually subtle. Symptoms may come on slowly, and they disappear at random intervals. If proper treatment is not used, over time, symptoms not only persist but may worsen. Here are five red flags that could indicate cubital tunnel syndrome: 

1. Numbness or tingling in the ring and pinky fingers

This is one of the earliest and most common symptoms of cubital tunnel syndrome. It’s a sign that your ulnar nerve may be compressed where it passes through the elbow. 

2. Pain in the hand or near the inside of the elbow

Pain that radiates from the inside of the elbow and down to the forearm or hand may indicate that the nerve is being compressed. 

3. Weak grip strength or clumsiness in the hand 

Have you felt more clumsy than usual? Perhaps you are dropping items or even struggling with fine motor skills. If your grip has recently diminished, this could be a sign of cubital tunnel syndrome. 

4. Increased pain during elbow flexion

If you feel pain during simple elbow flexion it could be a sign of the ulnar nerve being pinched. Elbow flexion is when you bend your forearm closer to your upper arm. You make this movement when you do normal daily activities like talking on the phone or put food in your mouth.

5. Increased pain during the night

If the pain or tingling sensation in your hand increases during the night, it could indicate cubital tunnel syndrome. Many people sleep with their elbows bent. This leads to a compression of the ulnar nerve throughout the night. This compression can lead to hand pain during the night or in the morning. On some occasions, this hand pain can be so intense that it wakes people from their sleep. 

Who has the highest risk of developing cubital tunnel syndrome? 

Cubital tunnel syndrome can impact anybody. There are, however, a few populations that are more prone to developing it than others. 

The risk of developing cubital tunnel syndrome is higher if you: 

• Are over age 40

• Do repetitive arm or elbow movements for work or hobbies 

• Have diabetes or thyroid conditions

• Have a previous elbow fracture or injury 

• Sleep with your elbows bent

• Spend a lot of time leaning on your elbow

How is cubital tunnel syndrome diagnosed? 

Remember, it’s always best to seek out a proper diagnosis from a provider if you’re experiencing symptoms. If you seek a physical therapist, they will begin the diagnosis process with a physical exam, which may include: 

• Checking your muscle strength and reflexes 

• Tapping the ulnar nerve to see if it leads to a tingling sensation

• Having you perform various elbow movements to learn which ones hurt and how much they hurt

Don’t let cubital tunnel syndrome hold you back. Seek out treatment today. Early intervention is a vital part in preventing this condition from worsening. 

Treatment options for cubital tunnel syndrome are available

Physical therapists offer many treatments that can help ease the symptoms caused by cubital tunnel syndrome. Some of the techniques your physical therapist might use to help you include: 

• Aquatic therapy

• Manual therapy

• Therapeutic stretches and strengthening exercises

• Dry needling

If symptoms are severe or don’t improve with care, then surgery may be needed to alleviate the pressure. In such cases, physical therapists can help you prepare for your surgery. They can also create a postsurgery rehab plan intended to help you ease postoperative pain and shorten your overall recovery time. 

KC Rehab can help you find relief from cubital tunnel syndrome.

Cubital tunnel syndrome doesn’t have to remain a fixture in your life. At KC Rehab, we offer techniques like those above that are designed to not only reduce nerve compression and relieve pain but also prevent future flare-ups. 

Don’t wait. Contact the experts at KC Rehab to learn more or to schedule an initial appointment.