Cubital Tunnel Syndrome Treatment in Westminster Denver Colorado
Overview
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The
ulnar nerve is one of the three large nerves that crosses the elbow (the others
are the median and radial nerves). The ulnar nerve passes across the elbow on
the medial (inside) side. It lies very near to the medial ulnar collateral
ligament. As it crosses the elbow joint, it enters a small tunnel referred to
as the cubital tunnel. This tunnel is made up of bone on one side and ligament
on the other. Because this space is tight, it is a common place where the nerve
can become compressed. This compression is often referred to as “cubital tunnel
syndrome,” and it can lead to nerve-related problems such as pain, weakness,
numbness, and even muscle atrophy.
●
While
nerve compression is one cause of ulnar nerve symptoms, nerve instability
(meaning the tunnel is too loose and the nerve moves more than it should) can
also cause similar symptoms.
Symptoms
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Pain
on the inside (medial) part of the elbow
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Numbness
and/or tingling that goes down the inside part of the forearm and even into the
ring and little fingers (4th and 5th digits)
●
Weakness
with certain wrist and hand motions
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Sensation
of popping or snapping on the inside part of the elbow
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Decreased
muscle size (atrophy) of certain muscles in the hand
When to see a doctor
Seek
care if you have pain in the elbow that does not improve with a brief period of
rest. Also, if you start to notice decreased sensation, numbness, tingling,
weakness in the wrist/hand, or atrophy of muscles, you should see your doctor.
Causes
●
Cubital
tunnel syndrome or ulnar nerve problems can occur involving a number of
different mechanisms:
●
Decreased
space in the cubital tunnel (can occur for a number of different reasons)
●
Swelling
of the nerve, especially the portion that passes through the cubital tunnel
●
Repetitive
use of the elbow
●
Prior
injury to the inside part of the elbow
●
Elbow
dislocation or instability
●
Fracture
of the bones near the nerve
●
Significant
elbow arthritis
●
Injury
or compression of the nerve in other locations such as the neck
Risk Factors
There
are a number of factors that increase your risk of ulnar nerve problems at the
elbow:
●
History
of elbow injury
●
Arthritis
in the elbow and/or neck
●
Sports
or occupations that require repetitive elbow motion such as throwing,
hammering, etc.
●
Certain
medical conditions, particularly those that cause nerve problems or increased
inflammation in the body
Treatment
●
Nonoperative
management with rest, activity modification, anti-inflammatory medications, and
elbow pads/braces are typically considered as the first line of treatment for
patients with ulnar nerve problems.
●
The
majority of patients will have improvement in their symptoms with these simple
treatment methods.
●
For
those who continue to have problems despite these treatments, consideration may
be given to an injection in the area of nerve compression/inflammation.
●
If symptoms are persistent or severe, surgery
may be considered. This typically consists of releasing the tight cubital
tunnel that is compressing the nerve, and this is referred to as “nerve
decompression.”
●
In
some cases where the nerve is unstable or does not tend to stay in its normal
location, the nerve is actually moved out of the tunnel altogether and secured
in a safer location. This is referred to as a “nerve transposition.”
Our expert providers are experienced and skilled
at treating Cubital Tunnel Syndrome and are your source for expert treatment of
Cubital Tunnel Syndrome in Westminster and Denver Colorado. Not only are we the
premier treatment for spine injuries and chiropractic in Westminster and Denver
Colorado, but we also specialize in many other advanced treatment techniques
such as shockwave, cold laser, graston technique, KT Taping, activator,
instrument aided spinal alignments, drop table, toggle, in house rehab
services, and on site digital xrays. We are your Premier destination for
Cubital Tunnel Syndrome Treatment in Westminster Colorado and Denver Colorado
Chiropractor.