Cubital Tunnel Syndrome / Ulnar Nerve Irritation in Mona Vale
Cubital tunnel syndrome occurs when the ulnar nerve becomes irritated or compressed around the inside of the elbow. It can cause elbow discomfort, tingling or numbness into the hand and symptoms that are often aggravated by prolonged elbow bending. At Helix Recovery, we assess the nerve and surrounding areas to identify factors contributing to your symptoms.
What is Cubital Tunnel Syndrome?
The ulnar nerve travels from the neck down the arm and passes through a narrow region on the inside of the elbow known as the cubital tunnel — the area commonly referred to as the “funny bone”.
Irritation or compression of the nerve in this region can produce symptoms around the elbow, forearm and hand. Symptoms may be aggravated by prolonged elbow flexion, leaning directly on the elbow or repetitive upper-limb activities.
Common Symptoms
Tingling or numbness in the little and ring fingers
Pain or aching around the inside of the elbow
Symptoms aggravated by bending the elbow
Symptoms when leaning on the elbow
Tingling or numbness at night
Reduced grip strength
Hand weakness in more significant cases
Symptoms extending from the elbow into the forearm or hand
How We Assess Cubital Tunnel Syndrome
Tingling and numbness in the hand can originate from several areas, including the elbow, wrist and cervical spine, so assessment is important to determine where the nerve is likely to be affected.
Assessment may include neurological testing, sensation and strength testing, ulnar nerve provocation and mobility tests, elbow movement and assessment of the neck, shoulder and wrist where appropriate.
The aim is to determine whether the ulnar nerve is likely to be irritated at the elbow, identify factors contributing to the symptoms and recognise cases that may require further neurological investigation.
How We Treat Cubital Tunnel Syndrome
Treatment depends on how long symptoms have been present, their severity and the activities you want to return to.
Treatment may include:
Osteopathic manual therapy
Exercise rehabilitation
Nerve mobility exercises
Upper-limb strengthening
Activity and positional modification
Gradual return to work, gym or sport
Shockwave Therapy for Cubital Tunnel Syndrome
Shockwave therapy is not typically used directly over an irritated or compressed ulnar nerve, with activity modification, exercise rehabilitation and management of nerve sensitivity forming the main focus of treatment.
However, shockwave therapy may be utilised where appropriate to target associated soft tissue structures contributing to pain or sensitivity around the elbow. It is used selectively and is not applied directly over the ulnar nerve.
Common Questions
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The ulnar nerve supplies sensation to these areas of the hand. Irritation of the nerve around the elbow can therefore cause tingling, numbness or altered sensation in the ring and little fingers.
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Sleeping with the elbow bent for prolonged periods can increase pressure and tension around the ulnar nerve. This is why some people wake with numbness or tingling in their hand.
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Yes. Depending on the presentation, nerve mobility exercises, strengthening and modification of aggravating positions or activities may form part of conservative management.
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Persistent numbness, progressive hand weakness, muscle wasting or symptoms that continue to worsen should be investigated further. Nerve conduction studies or specialist assessment may be appropriate in these cases.
Is Tingling or Numbness Affecting Your Arm or Hand?
If elbow discomfort, tingling or numbness is affecting your work, sleep, training or everyday activities, we can assess what's contributing and develop an appropriate management plan.