Ulnar Nerve Injuries

Better known as the “Funny Bone,” the Ulnar nerve can become entrapped. When it does, there is nothing funny about it. An entrapped Ulnar nerve can cause debilitating pain in the elbow as well as the hand, neck and shoulder. Let us help you find the relief you need with a treatment option that’s right for you.

Ulnar nerve entrapment occurs when the ulnar nerve in the arm becomes compressed or irritated. The ulnar nerve is one of the three main nerves in your arm. It travels from your neck down into your hand, and can be constricted in several places along the way. Depending upon where the compression occurs, this pressure on the nerve can cause numbness or pain in your elbow, hand, wrist, or fingers.

When your bend your elbow, the ulnar nerve stretches around the bony ridge of the medial epicondyle. Because this can irritate the nerve, keeping your elbow bent for long periods or repeatedly bending your elbow can cause painful symptoms. For example, many people sleep with their elbows bent. This can aggravate symptoms of ulnar nerve compression and cause you to wake up at night with your fingers asleep.

Symptoms

• Tingling or numbness in the ring and little fingers
• Weakening of the grip
• Difficulty with finger coordination

If the nerve compression is severe and has been occurring for an extended period of time, muscle wasting in the hand can occur. Muscle wasting cannot be reversed making the need for rapid diagnosis and treatment a priority when symptoms are first experienced.