What is cubital tunnel syndrome?
Cubital tunnel syndrome is also known as ulnar neuropathy. It is caused by excess pressure applied to the ulnar nerve. This is a nerve that runs close to the skins surface, as it passes over bone, in the region of your elbow.What causes cubital tunnel syndrome?
Because the ulnar nerve is near the surface of your skin where your elbow is, you might develop cubital tunnel syndrome by:- Repetitive and long periods of leaning on your elbow
- Sleeping with your hand bent under your pillow
- Talking on the phone for long periods of time
Above: Effective treatment for cubital-tunnel-syndrome.What are the symptoms of cubital tunnel syndrome?
The longer you have cubital tunnel syndrome the further your symptoms will progress and impair your daily activity. Some symptoms you might experience at an earlier stage include:- Numbness and/or pain in your elbow
- Tingling in your little finger and ring finger
- Decreased strength in your hand affecting your grip
- Weakness present in your ring finger and little finger
- Poor ability to pinch your thumb and little finger together
- A claw like deformity of your hand.
How is cubital tunnel syndrome Diagnosed?
What would a physiotherapy assessment for cubital tunnel syndrome involve?
At Liverpool Physio, we want to gain as much information as possible about your injury to ensure we give you the best treatment. In your first appointment with us, our physiotherapists will carry out an assessment which has two parts:
Subjective
A discussion between you and our physiotherapist to find out the cause of your injury and what symptoms you are experiencing, and how your injury is affecting you and your lifestyle.
Objective
An assessment of your range of pain, range of movement, and a series of special tests to identify the cause of muscle weakness, pain, and alterations in your sensation in your lower arm.
What would physiotherapy treatment for cubital tunnel syndrome involve?
At Liverpool Physio, Our physiotherapists will ensure you specialised treatment for your cubital tunnel syndrome. Depending on the severity of your symptoms, your treatment may involve:
- Splinting
- Activity modification advice
- Joint mobilisations
- Advice on medication
- Neural gliding
- Exercise for strengthening
- Stretching for muscles in your arm
How can I arrange a physiotherapy assessment for cubital tunnel syndrome?
If you are experiencing unusual numbness, pins and needles or pain in your lower arm or hand one of our experienced physiotherapists will be able to help you.
You can contact us directly to arrange an assessment and we can advise you if further treatment is recommended, or give you details on self-management for minor cases. To arrange an appointment please email: office@liverpoolphysio.co.uk or Call 0151 558 0077 .
Summary
Cubital tunnel syndrome is a condition resulting from the compression of a nerve that runs near the skin in your elbow. It can cause you problems such as weakness and altered sensation which affect the ability of you to use your hand normally. At Liverpool Physio, our physiotherapists will work hard to detect the cause of your injury and develop you an appropriate treatment plan to reduce and rid you of your symptoms.
For more information on how physiotherapy can help treat cubital tunnel syndrome, or to book an assessment please email office@liverpoolphysio.co.uk or Call 0151 558 0077 .
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