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Ulnar nerve entrapment is a condition of the medial elbow that typically results in:
Ulnar nerve entrapment is also known by various other names. These include the following:
Prolonged pressure or severe trauma to the ulnar nerve is usually the main cause behind this type of nerve damage. Ulnar nerve entrapment is not a serious condition but it does require timely treatment.
Failure to treat it promptly can have permanent consequences, including paralysis or deformity of the affected arm or hand.
In this article, we take a detailed look at what ulnar neuropathy is. We discuss its symptoms, causes, and treatment options. Additionally, we explore the potential benefits of hand and physiotherapy for treating it on time.
Ulnar nerve entrapment is a type of injury of the ulnar nerve. To understand how it occurs, you need to first know the location and basic function of the ulnar nerve.
The ulnar nerve is one of the three main nerves in your arm that branches off the brachial plexus nerve at the base of the neck. From the shoulder, it travels down the back of the arm and around the inside of the elbow. Upon entering the hand, it branches off to reach the tips of the fourth and fifth fingers.
The ulnar nerve is responsible for transmitting nerve impulses to the hand and forearm muscles. It facilitates the movement of the arm and wrist and provides sensation in the ring and little fingers as well.
Because it passes through two narrow openings or ‘tunnels’ (one at the elbow and one at the wrist), the ulnar nerve is always at risk of getting compressed or injured. This gives rise to pain in the arm or hand. In some cases, the effects may be felt in both parts.
According to research, ulnar nerve entrapment is the second-most common peripheral neuropathy of the upper extremity. Cubital tunnel syndrome is generally more common than the Guyon’s canal syndrome.
The intensity of pain can vary, depending on the cause of injury and the location where it occurred (elbow or wrist). Nonetheless, it needs prompt and accurate proper treatment.
Conservative treatments for ulnar neuropathy include
In most cases, physiotherapy may be required and offers complete relief.
Generally, it can be hard to identify the exact cause of ulnar nerve entrapment.
Since it is located quite close to the skin’s surface, this nerve is not very well protected by muscle and bone. In other words, its natural position makes it prone to damage due to compression.
However, there are certain factors that increase the risk of compression of the ulnar nerve. This includes both recreational and occupational activities that involve repetitive motion such as
Ulnar nerve damage can also be tied to certain daily habits, such as:
Direct trauma to the cubital tunnel or Gyson’s canal can also cause the ulnar nerve to become entrapped.
The symptoms of ulnar neuropathy largely depend on where the entrapment occurs.
The pain is mainly felt in the arm. However, it’s not uncommon to feel pain in your hand as the nerve runs all the way down to the ring and pinky fingers.
When your ulnar nerve gets compressed, you may experience some or all of the following symptoms:
Depending on the severity of the condition, the symptoms may appear and disappear on their own. Usually, they tend to worsen at night.
At an advanced stage, ulnar nerve entrapment can cause muscle wasting in the forearm and hand.
At an even higher stage, it can develop into a claw-like deformity of the ring and pinky fingers.
Pain that stems from ulnar nerve entrapment can sometimes be mistaken for a symptom of other, more common nerve injuries. Therefore, when describing your symptoms to a physician, try to be as specific as you can.
Other elbow and hand conditions that are similar to ulnar neuropathy are explained briefly below.
Treatment for ulnar nerve entrapment begins by ruling out other closely related diagnoses, as discussed above.
If you have only mild to moderate discomfort, a conservative treatment will likely be enough. But if the condition has progressed or there is no improvement with traditional therapy, surgery may eventually be required.
However, that happens in very rare cases. The majority of people diagnosed with ulnar neuropathy are able to successfully get rid of the pain with proper hand and physiotherapy.
Physiotherapy has long been hailed for its ability to encourage safe and natural recovery from various kinds of physical injuries and trauma. The benefits extend to ulnar neuropathy as well.
If you are suffering from ulnar nerve compression, we can help you with nerve gliding exercises that can soothe the pressurized and inflamed nerve.
There are various stretching and strengthening exercises that are effective in gently releasing the compressed nerve. While you can perform many of them at home, it is generally not recommended. You might accidentally choose the ones that won’t work best in your case. Or you might do it the wrong way, which can easily aggravate the symptoms and lead to more problems.
In contrast, you need not worry about any such issues when you turn to professional physiotherapists for the treatment of ulnar nerve entrapment or even other neuropathies for that matter.
Our qualified physiotherapists can help you practice elbow flexion,
wrist extension, and other arm-stretching moves under their supervision. When
done consistently for a certain amount of time, it can alleviate pain, increase
mobility, and help you regain the lost hand and arm muscle strength as well.