Ulnar Neuritis

What is Ulnar Neuritis?
Also known as cubital tunnel syndrome or ulnar nerve entrapment, ulnar neuritis is the condition that describes the inflammation of a specific nerve along the arm, causing weakness and numbness in the hand, arm, and elbow.

The ulnar nerve is usually referred to as the funny bone, and its regular role is controlling parts of the ring finger and the little finger. The ulnar nerve is also related forearm muscles and hand muscles, influencing both grip strength and finger coordination.

Ulnar Neuritis Symptoms
Ulnar neuritis symptoms can include feelings of tenderness and pain in the elbow, weakness and numbness of the hands, and forearm pain. In some cases, ulnar neuritis can weaken the grip and make finger coordination more difficult.

Ulnar Neuritis Causes
Ulnar neuritis is the inflammation of the funny bone or the ulnar nerve, which is involved with a lot of our day-to-day activities. Compression of the ulnar nerve is the most common cause of ulnar neuritis, which can occur due to a variety of actions, such as:

– Sleeping or leaning in an elbow
– Elbow bone spurs
– Swelling or arthritis in the wrist or elbow
– Activities involving bend and straightening elbows, such as baseball or lifting weights

How is Ulnar Neuritis treated?
Treatment methods for ulnar neuritis generally depends on the severity of the condition, with surgery being the last choice treatment for the most severe cases. For milder cases of ulnar neuritis, a doctor may recommend:

– Anti-inflammatory medications
– Elbow splints or braces, giving the joints time to heal in isolation
– Physical therapy with the goal of assisting the nerve to slide properly in the arm