Cubital Tunnel Syndrome (Ulnar Neuritis)

Description

Cubital tunnel syndrome is a nerve disorder in the elbow and upper arm that causes pain, tingling, hand weakness, and often a loss of feeling in the ring and little fingers. There is compression or stretching of the ulnar nerve at the elbow and in the forearm by muscles or ligament-like tissues. The ulnar nerve has little tissue protecting it at the elbow, which increases the risk of bruising if it receives a direct blow. Ulnar nerve dysfunction or inflammation may greatly decrease athletic performance in sports that require strong hand or wrist actions.

Common signs and symptoms

• Tingling, numbness, or burning inside the forearm or in part of the hand or fingers, especially the little finger or ring finger

• Sharp pains shooting from the elbow to the wrist and hand

• Hand weakness, clumsiness, and heaviness

• Poor dexterity (fine hand function)

• A weak grip, especially power grip, and a weak pinch

• Increased pain with forced full-elbow bending

• Tenderness of the inner elbow

• Reduced performance in sports that require a strong grip

• Reduced control with throwing, such as pitching

• Aching or soreness of the inner elbow

Causes

• Pressure on the ulnar nerve at the elbow, arm, or forearm caused by swollen, inflamed, or scarred tissues, ligament-like tissues, or between muscles

• Stretching of the nerve due to loose elbow ligaments

• A direct blow to the nerve at the elbow

• Repetitive elbow bending

Factors that increase risk

• Sports or occupations that require repetitive and strenuous throwing motions, such as baseball and javelin throwing

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