# Cubital Tunnel Syndrome

- Link: https://carolinaona.com/elbow-pain/cubital-tunnel-syndrome/
- Published: 2023-04-13T20:52:25-04:00
- Author: Dallas Clifton

Cubital Tunnel Syndrome

# Cubital Tunnel Syndrome Treatment in Spartanburg, Duncan, and Greenville, SC

 [Contact Us](https://carolinaona.com/contact-locations/)

### What is Cubital Tunnel Syndrome?

Cubital tunnel syndrome happens when the ulnar nerve on the inside of the elbow,
which goes through the cubital tunnel, which is a tube made of muscle, ligament,
and bone, suffers an injury and becomes swollen, red, and irritated.

The pain from cubital tunnel syndrome is similar to the pain you feel when you hit
the “funny bone” in your elbow. The “funny bone” in the elbow is actually the ulnar
nerve, which runs across the elbow, starting on the side of your neck and going 
all the way down to your fingers.

## **Cubital Tunnel Syndrome Symptoms**

The most common signs of cubital tunnel syndrome are listed below, but the signs
may be different for each person. Some of the symptoms include:

 * Numbness and tingling in the hand and/or ring and little fingers, especially 
   when the elbow is bent
 * Hand ache
 * Weak muscles in the affected arm and hand cause a weak grip and clumsiness
 * Pain on the inside of the elbow

Some of the signs and symptoms of cubital tunnel syndrome may look like those of
other conditions or problems, such as medial epicondylitis, which is also known 
as “golfer’s elbow.” Always see an orthopedic doctor to get the correct diagnosis.

## **What Causes Cubital Tunnel Syndrome?**

Cubital tunnel syndrome can happen when a person bends their arms a lot like when
they pull, reach, or lift, leans often on their elbow, or gets hurt in that area.

Cubital tunnel syndrome can also be caused by arthritis, bone spurs, and elbow breaks
or dislocations in the past. However, the cause is unknown in many cases.

## **Cubital Tunnel Syndrome Treatment**

The best way to treat cubital tunnel syndrome is to stop doing whatever is making
the problem worse. Other possible treatments include:

 * Resting and not doing anything that makes the pain worse, like bending the elbow
 * A splint or foam elbow brace that is worn at night to stop the elbow from moving
   and reduce irritation
 * Using an arm pad to avoid long-term pain from hard surfaces
 * Anti-inflammatory drugs, like ibuprofen, can help
 * Exercises that calm the nerves

If none of these above methods work, your doctor may consider:

 * Steroid shots can temporarily help lessen pain and reduce swelling
 * [Surgery](https://carolinaona.com/orthopedic-elbow-surgery/)

## **How to Prevent Cubital Tunnel Syndrome**

To prevent cubital tunnel syndrome you can:

 * Keep your arms strong and flexible
 * Don’t lean on your elbows to rest, especially on a hard surface.
 * Warm up your arms before you work out, or before playing sports that require 
   repetitive arm movements

## **Cubital Tunnel Syndrome Care in South Carolina**

Most people with cubital tunnel syndrome feel numbness, tingling, and pain in their
hand and/or ring and little fingers, especially when their elbow is bent. If you
are struggling with these symptoms, reach out to us here at CONA and [request an appointment](https://carolinaona.com/appointment-request-form/).
Our [physicians](https://carolinaona.com/physicians-staff/) are ready to help you
get back to doing what you love pain-free.