Houston Ulnar Nerve Entrapment Treatment
Ulnar nerve entrapment occurs when there is compression of the ulnar nerve. Anatomically, the nerve passes through a tunnel (cubital tunnel) behind the inside of the elbow. Here you can feel the nerve through the skin where it is also called the “funny bone.” When the nerve goes into the hand, it travels through another tunnel (Guyon’s canal).
The nerve functions to give sensation to the pinky and half of the ring finger and controls most of the muscles in the hand that help with fine movements.
Numbness and tingling in the ring and little finger are common and it is worse when the elbow is bent, such as when you are driving or talking on the phone. Some people wake up at night because their fingers are numb. You may also have weakness of grip and difficulty with finger coordination (such as typing or playing an instrument).
The doctor will examine the arm to check the nerve and try to determine where the nerve is compressed. If the nerve is irritated, tapping over the nerve at the “funny bone” can cause a shock into the little and ring finger. The doctor will usually recommend nerve tests.
Unless you have moderate symptoms or muscle wasting, your doctor will probably recommend nonsurgical treatment.
Ulnar Nerve Treatment Includes:
- Avoid frequent use of the arm with the elbow bent.
- Avoid leaning on the elbow or putting pressure on the inside of the arm.
- Keep the elbow straight at night when you are sleeping.
If you are not improving with conservative treatment, or if you have muscle weakness, the doctor may recommend surgery to take pressure off the nerve. At the elbow the nerve can be decompressed endoscopically. Dr. Alan Rosen was among the first surgeons in Houston to perform this procedure.
