Cubital Tunnel Syndrome
Cubital tunnel syndrome is the second most common nerve entrapment syndrome of the upper extremity. It occurs with increased compression to the ulnar nerve at the elbow. The ulnar nerve at the elbow is what you hit when you hit your funny bone, causing a pins and needles sensation into your hand. Symptoms of cubital tunnel syndrome include tingling and numbness in the ring and little fingers and decreased hand dexterity. The ulnar nerve may become irritated due to a direct hit, prolonged pressure (as in resting the elbow on a hard desk), or keeping the elbow bent for prolonged periods of time. Hand therapy helps to alleviate symptoms through splinting, range of motion/stretching, soft tissue techniques, and modalities (pain relieving treatments).