Background
The Ulnar Nerve is located here in the forearm and can become entrapped in the elbow and/or wrist.
Symptoms of Ulnar Nerve Entrapment initially include numbness and tingling of the ring and pinky fingers. If left untreated, it may progress to loss of motor function in the hand. During this, a person may notice clumsiness and weakness in the hand. As this condition progresses, it may causes noticeably atrophy in the hand musculature.
When the Ulnar Nerve becomes trapped at the elbow this is known as Cubital Tunnel Syndrome. Interestingly, the Ulnar Nerve being entrapped in the elbow is the second most common place to have a nerve entrapment in the upper extremity. Risk factors for Cubital Tunnel Syndrome include:
- Diabetes Mellitus
- Blunt trauma to the Ulnar Nerve at the elbow
- Occupations that require arm flexion (answering telephones for example)
- Elbow being repeatedly pressed against a hard surface
Nerve glides can be performed to help improve the nerve's movement and to reduce symptoms.
Treatment
