Ulnar Nerve Compression  (Cubital tunnel syndrome):

          What Are Its Causes And Home Remedies?

Ulnar nerve compression is a disorder in which the ulnar nerve gets compressed in the elbow grove while passing towards forearm and fingers. It leads to weakness and numbness in forearm and fingers. It also produces pain and burning sensation in the inner aspect of elbow.

The most common cause of ulnar nerve entrapment is overuse of elbow joint during sports activity or occupational work, direct injury to ulnar nerve or elbow fracture.

Ulnar nerve damage can occur at any age. Usually single hand is affected. With proper treatment and physiotherapy, most patients completely recover.

Causes Of Ulnar Nerve Compression

Ulnar nerve originates from brachial plexus in the arm. It travels through the arm, passes further down in the upper arm, palm and fingers. During its travel, it has to pass through a grove situated in the medial side of elbow.

Ulnar nerve is compressed in this elbow grove. This nerve is responsible for supplying sensation to inner side of forearm, palm as well as little finger and half of ring finger. Below are important reasons for its entrapment:

·         Injury to elbow: An injury to elbow due to fall which may directly compress the nerve. Fracture of elbow bone, or a direct hit on the elbow from an object etc can cause nerve injury. It may also produce inflammation, irritation of the tissues nearby the nerve. Swelling of tissues inside the groove will occupy more space and compress the ulnar nerve.

·         Excessive stretching of hand such as while playing sports which needs the hand to be stretched. Athletic sports events such as javelin throw; short put, discus throw etc is responsible for it.

·         Over development of forearm muscle (flaxor carpi ulnaris) can compress the nerve as it passes through it. This usually occurs in weight lifters.

·         Diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis can also cause ulnar nerve compression.

·         Overuse of forearm in workplace can lead to inflammation and irritation of the tissues surrounding the grove and compress the nerve.

Ulnar Nerve Compression Symptoms

Ulnar nerve entrapment can occur at any age and to anyone. There is no gender bias. Both men and women are equally affected. The onset may be sudden or gradual.

·         Patient complains of severe pain in elbow, it is more inwards and medially located. Pain may radiate towards forearm and in fingers, mostly little and mid half of ring finger.

·         Since the nerve also innervates the palm, patient may also experience pain in palms.

·         Weakness and numbness in hand and fingers is felt in more severe cases of ulnar nerve compression.

·         Pain and tingling often becomes worse at night and in early morning.

·         In severe and chronic cases, patient may have wasting of forearm muscles.

Home Remedies For Ulnar Nerve Compression

Diagnosis of ulnar nerve compression is possible with clinical history and physical examination. The doctor may simply tap on the elbow and this may produce an electric like shock in the little finger. Certain tests also help to evaluate the condition. EMG (elactro myelogram and other nerve conduction studies are important.

In its beginning state, if you suspect the symptoms are that of ulnar nerve compression, you may try certain home remedies.

·         Give rest to the affected hand. Avoid doing activities that may require bending your hand for long duration.

·         Avoid putting pressure on your elbow in any circumstances.

·         If the pain is severe, patient may require anti inflammatory NSAID medicines.

·         Warm water application may also help to relieve the pain temporarily.

·         While sleeping wearing a splint helps to reduce the pain.

·         Physiotherapy is effective in reducing symptoms of ulnar nerve compression. The physiotherapist will teach certain exercises that will help to alleviate the symptoms quickly.

If the symptoms persist for a long time, with increase in intensity the patient may require surgical intervention to decompress the nerve.