Ulnar neuropathy is inflammation or compression of the ulnar nerve – if there are sensations of pins and needles, numbness with or without tingling along the ring and little fingers, there could be an element of ulnar neuropathy.
The ulnar nerve is one of the three main nerves of the forearm. It originates from the neck, passes through the axilla, goes around the medial epicondyle/ “funny bone” of the elbow, and travels towards the ring and little fingers.
This nerve gives sensations to inner half of the hand, as well as muscle power to half of the forearm, part of the thumb, ring and little fingers. When the ulnar nerve is irritated or compressed, it is called ulnar neuropathy. The most common point of ulnar nerve compression is at the elbow and this condition is called Cubital Tunnel Syndrome.
Causes of Ulnar Neuropathy
Ulnar neuropathy can be caused by a range of factors including:
- Activities which place prolonged pressure against the elbow or wrist such as resting elbow on a table.
- Activities which cause the elbow or wrist to be bent for long periods such as sleeping with elbows bent
- Repetitive loading/lifting with bent elbows
- Direct injury to the nerve (such as hitting your elbow or “funny bone”)
- Previous elbow fracture or dislocation
- Arthritic changes such as bony spurs.
- Ganglion cysts or inflammatory joint changes.
Symptoms of Ulnar Neuropathy The most common symptoms include numbness and tingling in the little and ring fingers which can extend up to the elbow. Eventually the symptoms can become more frequent and can lead to reduced strength and difficulty with co-ordination, with patients often reporting that they drop items such as plates and cups.
If the nerve is compressed for a long time, it can lead to more permanent changes where the muscles supplied by the nerve can waste away.
Treatment from Your Hand Therapist
Your hand therapist will assess your symptoms and tailor a program to address your concerns. This may include a combination of rest, education regarding activities to avoid, activity modification, prescribing an elbow splint to wear at night, specific nerve gliding exercises and muscle strengthening exercises.
Surgical Treatment
In cases where the symptoms are severe or do not respond to therapeutic treatment, further options may include corticosteroid injection or surgical release of the ulnar nerve.
Your therapist can discuss with you and your GP to arrange a referral to a surgeon if required. If you are suffering from any of these symptoms, or any other issues with the hand, arm or fingers, please feel free to get in touch with Hand Therapy Group, we would be more than happy to help.
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