Cubital tunnel syndrome occurs when the ulnar nerve—which spans from the neck to the hand—is irritated or pressured by surrounding tissues. Also known as ulnar neuropathy, this condition can develop if the elbow is frequently leaned upon. It can result from arthritis, a bone fracture, an elbow joint dislocation, or repetitive movements that involve bending the elbow, such as pulling, lifting, and reaching.

Initially, cubital tunnel syndrome may cause numbness or tingling sensations on the outer side of the hand. If the ulnar nerve remains compressed, the numbness may gradually intensify or progress into sharp, shooting pains. Severe ulnar nerve compression can cause a loss of muscle strength in the hand. If you have any of these symptoms, you can have your condition evaluated and treated by an elbow specialist at Premier Bone & Joint Centers in Rawlins. We proudly offer personalized orthopedic care that is worthy of Wyoming.

How Can Cubital Tunnel Syndrome Be Treated?

Conservative treatments, such as medications and physical therapy, can help relieve the symptoms of cubital tunnel syndrome. Also, if a specific activity, such as leaning the elbow on a desk, is causing or contributing to the discomfort, it will be important to discontinue or modify the activity to prevent the condition from worsening. During sleep, an elbow brace can be worn to keep the joint straight and limit further irritation. Although non-surgical treatment can be effective for symptom relief, it cannot free the ulnar nerve if it has become trapped within the cubital tunnel. In this situation, surgical treatment may be considered.

At Premier Bone & Joint Centers, our goal is to help each patient find the least invasive treatment approach that will be effective. We offer the latest treatment options for addressing cubital tunnel syndrome.

If you would like to consult with an experienced elbow doctor at Premier Bone & Joint Centers, contact us today. We have a satellite clinic conveniently located in Rawlins, WY.