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Hand numbness and powerful “shocks” from elbow to fingertip
Cubital Tunnel Syndrome
If you’ve noticed weakness, numbness or tingling in your hands that sometimes seems to be relieved by straightening your elbow, you may be suffering from cubital tunnel syndrome (not to be confused with carpal tunnel syndrome).
Schedule An Appointment!
Dr. Abeyewardene
OSSO South
10001 S. Western, Suite 101
Oklahoma City, OK 73139
Common Cubital Tunnel Syndrome Signs, Symptoms and Complaints
Cubital tunnel syndrome has several telltale signs. Here are some common symptoms and complaints you might notice:
- Numbness and tingling over your ring and small fingers
- Made worse by driving, holding a phone or reading
- Relieved by straightening your arm
- Hand stiffness and weakness
- Inner elbow tenderness
- “Funny bone” shock down to your pinky and ring fingers
What is Cubital Tunnel Syndrome?
The ulnar nerve runs around your elbow, and it’s one you’re familiar with if you’ve ever hit your “funny bone” and felt that familiar, burning shock down your arm. This nerve passes through the cubital tunnel in your elbow, which can become compressed and tight. Since the ulnar nerve provides both motor and sensation capabilities to your arm and hand, when it becomes compressed, you’ll notice numbness and tingling in your hands and small fingers, shocks down your arms, stiffness and weakness.
Cubital tunnel syndrome is usually caused by seemingly innocuous things, like resting on your elbow on an armrest or on the car door while driving, sleeping with it bent, holding a phone, or simply aging.
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How Dr. Abeye Treats Cubital Tunnel Syndrome
Cubital Tunnel Syndrome is Highly Treatable
At Dr. Abeye’s clinic, we always begin with the most conservative, non-surgical approaches, increasing intervention levels as necessary to achieve relief from pain, increased strength and range of motion.
Non-Operative Cubital Tunnel Syndrome Intervention: Physical Therapy & Bracing
Physical therapy will help you to learn exercises to properly stretch the muscles in your elbow and techniques that can help free the nerve from compressive tissue, while bracing can help retrain your unconscious habits of keeping the elbow in question bent.
Surgical Cubital Tunnel Syndrome Treatment
When surgery is indicated, a small incision is used to release the tight bands causing the nerve to be pinched, allowing the nerve space.
What to Expect
When you schedule an appointment with Dr. Abeye to investigate possible cubital tunnel syndrome in our Oklahoma City clinic, you can expect a thorough examination of your elbow, hands and wrists; imaging (if necessary); a conversation about your symptoms and education about what is likely happening. You’ll receive a diagnosis, plan of action and any necessary braces or medications.
If you’re ready for relief, give us a call to schedule your appointment.
Are Your Symptoms Different?
If your symptoms differ from those discussed above, you may be suffering from a different disorder. Here are some other common conditions that may be a better match.
Tennis Elbow
Pain on the outside of the elbow and grip weakness – not just for tennis players.
Golfer’s Elbow
Pain on the inside of the elbow, stiffness and weakness of your hand and wrist.
Elbow Tendon and Ligament Injuries
Upper forearm swelling, bruising and stiffness; inability to straighten your elbow.
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Hand, Wrist & Elbow Specialist
Hand, Wrist & Elbow Orthopedic Expertise
About Our Office
Dr. Abeye is an experienced orthopedic hand surgeon, dedicated to – and fascinated by – the intricacies of the fingers, hands, wrists and elbows.
Patient Info
Find information about splint and cast care, pain management and more on our patient resource page.
Reach Out
Our office staff is here to help with whatever you need. Please don’t hesitate to call with your questions, concerns, or just to schedule your next appointment!