Cubital tunnel syndrome is a type of nerve injury that causes pain, tingling, and numbness in the elbow, forearm, and hand. It is caused by the compression or irritation of the ulnar nerve, which passes through a narrow tube of tissue in the elbow called the cubital tunnel. While symptoms of this condition may vary from person to person, a common question that many individuals with this condition ask is whether the pain persists even when resting thus leading into the question if you will have cubital tunnel syndrome for the rest of your life. In this blog post, we will explore the symptoms and causes of cubital tunnel syndrome and help you understand whether you should expect pain when resting.
Cubital tunnel syndrome is also known as ulnar nerve entrapment as it occurs when the ulnar nerve is compressed or rests on other tissues, leading to inflammation and pain. The most common symptom of cubital tunnel syndrome is numbness and tingling in the ring and little fingers. Other symptoms may include pain in the elbow, forearm, and hand, weakness in the hand and fingers, and difficulty gripping or holding objects. Cubital tunnel syndrome may also cause a decreased muscle tone in the hand, leading to a loss of coordination.
Most people with cubital tunnel syndrome experience pain when doing activities that require elbow flexion or when keeping the elbow bent for prolonged periods. For instance, reading a book, holding a phone, or sleeping with the arm bent may cause discomfort and pain. However, whether the pain persists when resting or not depends on the individual case. For some people, the pain from cubital tunnel syndrome can go away on its own, when resting or change position; for others, the pain may persist because of the severity of the nerve damage.
Cubital tunnel syndrome is a condition that should be treated promptly to avoid permanent nerve damage. A chiropractor or a physiotherapist can diagnose and treat this condition effectively. After an initial evaluation, your chiropractor or physiotherapist will work with you to create an individualized treatment plan that may include manual therapy, exercise, and lifestyle changes. Manual therapy techniques such as joint mobilization, massage therapy, and stretching can help reduce inflammation and pressure on the ulnar nerve, leading to pain relief.
In addition to manual treatment, your chiropractor or physiotherapist may recommend exercises and lifestyle modifications to reduce the pressure on the ulnar nerve. Such exercises may include strengthening and stretching of the wrist, arm, and shoulder muscles to improve mobility, increase circulation, and prevent future pain. Lifestyle modifications may include changing position frequently, avoiding leaning on the elbow, and using ergonomic devices such as a wrist pad or an elbow pad to reduce pressure.
Cubital tunnel syndrome is a medical condition that requires prompt attention from a chiropractor or physiotherapist. While the pain levels may vary from person to person, most people with cubital tunnel syndrome experience pain, numbness, or tingling in the elbow, forearm, and hand. The severity of the pain and whether it persists during rest depends on the individual case. However, suppose you experience pain or discomfort when doing activities that require elbow flexion or when keeping your elbow bent for prolonged periods. In that case, you must consult a chiropractor or physiotherapist to make sure you live a long life with cubital tunnel syndrome. Proper manual treatment, exercise, and lifestyle modifications can help improve your symptoms, reduce nerve damage, and improve your quality of life.
If you have any questions or would like to explore further, please book a free, no-charge online appointment with either myself, Nitin Nair, BPT, R/TRO DIP, PT, or another Kitchener physiotherapist at CARESPACE. We are happy to listen and are here to help!
