Cubital Tunnel Syndrome: What you Need to Know

Working from home or generally spending hours working on a computer can have severe implications in our body, especially if our posture is not correct. One of the most common consequences is cubital tunnel syndrome.

Cubital tunnel syndrome happens due to the pressure we apply to our ulnar never inside our arm. This nerve goes from the neck until the tip of our fourth and fifth fingers in our hands. It oversees sensory functions and supports the execution of detailed movements.

It can be damaged through several factors such as injuries and illnesses, but also by our posture. Along with the Guyon’s canal in the wrist, the cubital tunnel is one of the areas where the ulnar nerve is the most vulnerable to impingement. Therefore, keeping the elbow bent for a prolonged time can compress and damage this nerve.

These are some postures or activities that when held for a long time may affect the ulnar nerve:

• Bending the elbow while sleeping.
• Resting your elbow on a table or another solid surface.
• Holding your phone to your ear during long phone calls.
• Leaning on your elbow.
• Driving and keeping your arm on the window while doing so.
• Exercising.

The constant flexion of the elbow during these activities compress the ulnar nerve and might cause cubital tunnel syndrome.

Some of the symptoms that come up with cubital tunnel syndrome are the sensation of numbness through the forearm and the hand to our last two fingers. You could also experience a tingling sensation and aching in your arm, especially around the elbow area.

To prevent cubital tunnel syndrome, you should avoid exercises, activities, and postures that involve the constant flexion of the elbow. If you are in a computer most of the day, make sure you have an appropriate chair that is high enough for you to hold a good posture while sitting. Taking rests from work is essential to let your muscles rest. It is recommended you perform stretching exercises; this will not only help you keep your elbows and forearms healthy, but it will also be holistically beneficial to the rest of your body.

Some ways to treat this condition are taking anti-inflammatory medicines, performing exercises, and wearing a splint to avoid your elbow from bending while sleeping. In cases where the muscle has been affected, surgery could be necessary. If you tick the boxes of the symptoms above mentioned and these affect your daily activities, do not hesitate to consult a specialized doctor.

Take care of your elbow, give it a rest if you have been flexing it for long periods, carry out an appropriate warm-up session before practicing any sports or workouts that may involve this area. Overall, try to keep your elbow healthy and strong. 

Orthopedic Corner | Leon Mead MD Orthopedic Doctor | 730 Goodlette Road North, Suite 201  Naples Florida 34102 | Phone: (239) 262-1119