Cubital Tunnel Syndrome, Causes, Diagnosis, Treatment, Prevention, Complications
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| Cubital Tunnel Syndrome, Causes, Diagnosis, Treatment, Prevention, Complications, cubital tunnel syndrome exercises, cubital tunnel syndrome brace,cubital tunnel syndrome surgery,cubital tunnel syndrome test,cubital tunnel syndrome icd 10, |
Cubital tunnel syndrome is a condition that occurs due to inflammation or compression of the ulnar nerve, which is the nerve for the muscles of the upper and forearm, ring finger, and little finger. This condition will cause severe pain, numbness, tingling, and muscle weakness in the arms and hands.
Although both occur in the hands, cubital tunnel syndrome is different from carpal tunnel syndrome. Cubital tunnel syndrome occurs in the ulnar nerve, while carpal tunnel syndrome occurs in the median nerve.
The location of the pinched nerve in these two conditions is also different. In carpal tunnel syndrome, the location of the pinched nerve is at the wrist. Whereas in cubital tunnel syndrome, the location of the pinched nerve is at the elbow.
In severe cases, cubital tunnel syndrome can cause very disturbing symptoms. If not treated properly, cubital tunnel syndrome can cause weakness in the arm muscles that interfere with daily activities.
Causes of Cubital Tunnel Syndrome
The exact cause of cubital tunnel syndrome is not known. However, it is suspected that this condition is caused by increased pressure on the ulnar nerve due to too much activity that causes the elbow to bend, such as pulling objects or lifting heavy objects.
In addition, there are several factors that can increase a person's risk of developing cubital tunnel syndrome, namely:
- Inflammation of the joints at the elbows
- Elbows that are bent for a long time
- Osteophyte formation in the elbow joint
- Cyst near the elbow
- History of elbow fracture
- History of elbow dislocation
- Elbow joint swelling
Symptoms of Cubital Tunnel Syndrome
Symptoms of cubital tunnel syndrome experienced by each patient can be different. Early symptoms of cubital tunnel syndrome are usually pain and numbness in the elbow. In addition, sufferers can also feel tingling, especially in the ring and little fingers.
In advanced stages, sufferers may also experience several other symptoms, such as:
- Weak in the ring finger and little finger
- Aching pain on the inside of the elbow
- Weak hand grip
- Muscle shrinkage in the hands
- Tingling and numbness at night
- The shape of the hand changes to resemble the shape of a claw
When to go to the doctor
Check with your doctor if you experience the symptoms of cubital tunnel syndrome as mentioned above, especially if accompanied by the following symptoms:
- Pain lasts for more than 6 weeks
- Pain does not improve or gets worse despite treatment
- Pain or difficulty moving that affects daily activities
- Numbness, tingling, or weakness in the muscles of the arm or hand
Diagnosis of Cubital Tunnel Syndrome
The doctor will first ask the patient about the symptoms experienced, medical history, and overall health condition. The doctor will also ask about work, daily activities, and medications that are being taken by the patient.
After that, the doctor will perform a physical examination of the patient's arm and hand area, to determine which nerve is pinched and its location.
To confirm the diagnosis, the doctor may also perform several other supporting tests, such as:
- Blood tests, to determine if symptoms are caused by another disease, such as diabetes or thyroid disease
- Electromyography (EMG), to check ulnar nerve function and forearm muscle strength
- Nerve conduction tests, to measure the speed at which electrical signals travel within a nerve and help identify the location of a pinched nerve
- Scans, such as X-rays, to detect arthritis or osteophytes in the elbow bone
Cubital Tunnel Syndrome Treatment
Cubital tunnel syndrome which is classified as mild can be treated with self-medication. Some of the efforts that can be done are:
- Stopping any activity that could make symptoms worse
- Resting elbows
- Wearing an elbow brace or special elbow protector (elbow pad) during activities to limit elbow movement
- Straighten your elbows when you sleep, by wrapping your arms with a towel and using elbow pads on the inside of your elbows
- Taking pain relievers, such as ibuprofen or naproxen
If the symptoms of cubital tunnel syndrome do not subside with self-medication, the doctor will recommend several follow-up measures, such as:
- Injecting corticosteroid medication directly into the elbow joint, to reduce inflammation and pain
- Ligament cutting surgery, to widen the path of the ulnar nerve thereby reducing pressure on the nerve
- Ulnar nerve transposition surgery, to move the ulnar nerve from a pinched prone position
- Medial epicondylectomy surgery, to remove part of the elbow bone (epicondyle) to reduce pressure on the ulnar nerve
Complications of Cubital Tunnel Syndrome
Untreated cubital tunnel syndrome can lead to complications, including:
- Arm muscle atrophy
- Decreased function of the muscles of the arms, hands, and fingers, thus interfering with activities
- Pain, numbness, tingling, and permanent weakness in the hands and wrists
Cubital Tunnel Syndrome Prevention
Cubital tunnel syndrome can't always be prevented, but there are several steps you can take to reduce your risk of developing this condition, including:
- Avoid leaning on your elbows too often or for long periods of time.
- Avoid lifting heavy objects too often.
- Keep your elbows straight while you sleep.
- Use tools and furniture that are ergonomic and comfortable.
- Wear elbow protectors and regularly rest your elbows if your job involves a lot of elbow movement.
- Warm up your arms before exercising or before using your arms for other physical activities.
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