Cubital Tunnel Syndrome

Approximately 6% of Americans have symptoms of cubital tunnel syndrome, a condition that can cause shooting pain in your elbow area. At Austin Sports Medicine, serving the community in and around Central and South Austin, as well as Bee Cave, Cedar Park, and Pflugerville, Texas, the board-certified orthopedic surgeons can diagnose and treat cubital tunnel syndrome so you won’t be afraid to move your elbow anymore. Book your appointment by calling the office or requesting one online today.

What is cubital tunnel syndrome?

Cubital tunnel syndrome is a condition involving your cubital tunnel — the bones, ligament, and muscle tissue that creates a passageway in your inside elbow. 

The ulnar nerve — the nerve that sends sensation to your fourth and fifth fingers — passes through the cubital tunnel. When the cubital tunnel becomes inflamed and swollen, it pressures the ulnar nerve, leading to the painful and uncomfortable symptoms of cubital tunnel syndrome. 

While cubital tunnel syndrome is a completely separate condition from carpal tunnel syndrome, the symptoms are similar. Cubital tunnel syndrome causes symptoms in the elbow and arm, while carpal tunnel causes symptoms in your wrist and part of your hand.

What are the symptoms of cubital tunnel syndrome?

Cubital tunnel syndrome can cause issues such as: 

• Sharp elbow pain that radiates down your arm
• Numbness and tingling in your ring and pinky fingers
• Electrical sensations in your arm and hand
• Weakened grip 
• Hand clumsiness

Long-term, untreated cubital tunnel syndrome could even lead to muscle wasting. 

What causes cubital tunnel syndrome?

Cubital tunnel syndrome can occur with a direct injury to the elbow area, repetitive pressure on your elbow, prolonged elbow bending while asleep, or problems with the anatomy of the elbow. 

Arthritis can lead to problems like bone spurs in the elbow, which can then cause cubital tunnel syndrome. 

What is the most effective treatment for cubital tunnel syndrome?

Your Austin Sports Medicine provider prescribes your treatment based on your symptoms and the structural problems in your elbow. They can perform nerve and muscle tests (no referral needed) and X-rays in the office to make a diagnosis and determine the treatment approach that works best for you. 

They often recommend nonsurgical treatment strategies, including: 

• Oral anti-inflammatory medications
• Bracing or splinting your elbow
• Habit changes, like avoiding leaning on your elbows
• Corticosteroid injections

If nonsurgical care doesn’t relieve your symptoms, your specialist may recommend a surgical procedure to relieve pressure on your ulnar nerve.

In many cases, a cubital tunnel syndrome procedure focuses on widening the space for your ulnar nerve or relocating your ulnar nerve. 

Austin Sports Medicine often performs this type of procedure through endoscopy, which requires much smaller incisions and minimal damage to the tissues around your ulnar nerve. 

Having shooting elbow pain? Austin Sports Medicine has answers. Call the office or request a visit online today.