Why does my ulnar nerve hurt

In certain cases, ulnar nerve pain can be a fairly minor inconvenience. In other cases, there can be debilitating pain and serious impairment to motor functions. Most of the time, the feeling of ulnar nerve pain tends to produce the following symptoms.

Given the variety of potential causes for ulnar nerve pain, self-treatment is not recommended in this context. Instead, the doctor should examine the patient and conduct a complete diagnosis. At that point, the doctor can expound on which treatment options will have the best chance of success. The good news is that proper medical treatment can help relieve ulnar nerve pain. Though the exact type of treatment varies from patient to patient. For certain patients, medication or occupational therapy can be effective.

For other patients, steroid injections or splints and braces can reduce pain. What are the symptoms of cubital tunnel syndrome? The following are the most common symptoms of cubital tunnel syndrome: Numbness and tingling in the hand or ring and little finger, especially when the elbow is bent Numbness and tingling at night Hand pain Weak grip and clumsiness due to muscle weakness in the affected arm and hand Aching pain on the inside of the elbow The symptoms of cubital tunnel syndrome may seem like other health conditions or problems, including golfer's elbow medial epicondylitis.

How is cubital tunnel syndrome diagnosed? In addition to a complete medical history and physical exam, diagnostic tests for cubital tunnel syndrome may include: Nerve conduction test. This test measures how fast signals travel down a nerve to find a compression or constriction of the nerve. Electromyogram EMG.

This test checks nerve and muscle function and may be used to test the forearm muscles controlled by the ulnar nerve. If the muscles don't work the way they should, it may be a sign that there is a problem with the ulnar nerve.

This is done to look at the bones of the elbow and see if you have arthritis or bone spurs in your elbow. How is cubital tunnel syndrome treated? Treatment may include: Resting and stopping any activity that aggravates the condition, such as bending the elbow A splint or foam elbow brace worn at night to limit movement and reduce irritation Using an elbow pad to protect against chronic irritation from hard surfaces Anti-inflammatory medicines such as ibuprofen or naproxen Nerve gliding exercises If these treatments don't work, the healthcare provider may talk to you about surgery.

What can I do to prevent cubital tunnel syndrome? To prevent cubital tunnel syndrome: Keep your arms flexible and strong. Don't rest on your elbows, especially on a hard surface. Warm up before exercising or using your arms for sports or other repetitive movements.

When should I call my healthcare provider? Key points about cubital tunnel syndrome Cubital tunnel syndrome is a problem with the ulnar nerve, which passes through the inside of the elbow.

It causes pain that feels a lot like the pain you feel when you hit the "funny bone" in your elbow. Cubital tunnel syndrome may happen when a person frequently bends the elbows, leans on their elbow a lot, or has an injury to the area. Arthritis, bone spurs, and previous fractures or dislocations of the elbow can also cause it.

The most common symptoms of cubital tunnel syndrome are numbness, tingling, and pain in the hand or ring and little finger, especially when the elbow is bent. Cubital tunnel syndrome can be treated with rest and medicines to help with pain and inflammation.

Exercises may help, too. Ulnar neuropathy occurs when there is damage to the ulnar nerve. This nerve travels down the arm to the wrist, hand, and ring and little fingers. It passes near the surface of the elbow. So, bumping the nerve there causes the pain and tingling of "hitting the funny bone.

When damage destroys the nerve covering myelin sheath or part of the nerve itself, nerve signaling is slowed or prevented. Pain or numbness may awaken you from sleep.

Activities such as tennis or golf may make the condition worse. The health care provider will examine you and ask about your symptoms and medical history. You may be asked what you were doing before the symptoms started. The goal of treatment is to allow you to use the hand and arm as much as possible. Your provider will find and treat the cause, if possible. Sometimes, no treatment is needed and you will get better on your own. Surgery to relieve pressure on the nerve may help if the symptoms get worse, or if there is proof that part of the nerve is wasting away.

If the cause of the nerve dysfunction can be found and successfully treated, there is a good chance of a full recovery. In some cases, there may be partial or complete loss of movement or sensation. Call your provider if you have an arm injury and develop numbness, tingling, pain, or weakness down your forearm and the ring and little fingers. Avoid prolonged pressure on the elbow or palm. Avoid prolonged or repeated elbow bending.

Casts , splints, and other appliances should always be examined for proper fit.