Ulnar nerve entrapment happens when there is too much pressure on the ulnar nerve.
It may cause pain, or progress to muscle weakness or atrophy (wasting away).
Ulnar nerveentrapment is a common neuropathy that affects a specific location.
Photo composite by Amelia Manley for Verywell Health; Getty Images
Surgery may be needed if these methods do not provide relief.
It occurs specifically inside the border of your forearm and hand and your fourth and fifth fingers.
If your nerve is compressed in Guyon’s canal, you will only have symptoms in your hand.
Illustration by Julie Bang for Verywell Health
You may experience:
You may have poor grip or pinch strength and trouble separating your fingers.
In severe cases, these muscles atrophy.
Causes
There are various causes for cubital tunnel syndrome and Guyon’s canal syndrome.
However, in some cases, they can develop without an apparent reason.
A healthcare provider will review your symptoms and perform a physical exam.
Ulnar nerve symptoms can come and go.
It will improve your chances of a full recovery.
Treatment
Treatment for ulnar nerve entrapment depends on the severity of the condition.
Conservative treatment includes measures you’re able to take at home and work.
Curl your wrist and fingers toward your upper body.
Then, bend your elbow keeping the hand in that position.
Occupational and physical therapists who treat upper extremity injuries often treat ulnar nerve entrapment conditions.
Some of these therapists are specialists calledcertified hand therapists (CHTs).
They can help with therapy techniques and evaluateergonomics.
Long-term nerve compression can lead to permanent loss of sensation and muscle use.
Symptoms may decrease after surgery.
However, it can take months to a year for the nerve to recover its normal sensation after surgery.
You may benefit from a rehabilitation program and home exercises.
Nerve entrapment is typically diagnosed with a physical exam and nerve conduction studies.
Treatment includes anti-inflammatory medications, splinting, nerve gliding exercises, and avoiding activities that increase nerve pressure.
Occupational or physical therapy can also be beneficial.
In severe cases, surgery might be required.
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Xirou S, Anagnostou E.Electrodiagnosis and Ultrasound Imaging for Ulnar Nerve Entrapment at the Elbow: A Review.Neurodiagn J. Johns Hopkins Medicine.Ulnar nerve entrapment.
American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons.Ulnar nerve entrapment at the elbow (cubital tunnel syndrome).
2019;10(1):37. doi:10.1186/s13244-019-0714-x
American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons.Ulnar tunnel syndrome of the wrist.
2020;3(11):e2024352.
doi:10.1001%2Fjamanetworkopen.2020.24352
National Library of Medicine.Peripheral neuropathy.
