Musculoskeletal Condition · Glastonbury, CT

Ulnar Nerve Entrapment (Cubital Tunnel Syndrome)

Numbness in the ring and small fingers from ulnar nerve compression at the elbow: non-surgical options including hydrodissection with Dr. Paul Tortland, DO.

Written and clinically reviewed by

Paul D. Tortland, DO, FAOASM, CAQSM, RMSK

Dr. Paul Tortland, DO is a non-surgical orthopedic & sports medicine physician specializing in regenerative orthopedics and surgical alternative treatment. He is dual board-certified in Sports Medicine & Osteopathic Manipulative Medicine (OMM) and Regenerative Medicine, Fellowship-trained in Sports Medicine. He became the first physician in the world to earn board certification in Regenerative Medicine in 2015. Diplomate, American Board of Regenerative Medicine (ABRM), 2015. Registered in Musculoskeletal Ultrasound (RMSK).

Condition

What is cubital tunnel syndrome?

Cubital tunnel syndrome means the ulnar nerve is squeezed at the inner elbow (the "funny bone"), causing tingling in the ring and little fingers. It is often worse when the elbow stays bent, such as when sleeping or on the phone. Night splints and activity changes come first. Dr. Paul Tortland, DO, uses ultrasound to see the nerve and may use hydrodissection (fluid that helps free the nerve) if symptoms stay. Weakness in the hand needs prompt care.

Explore related conditions: Browse the Elbow, wrist and hand condition hub for related diagnoses and treatment options.

CARE OPTIONS

How is cubital tunnel syndrome treated?

Dr. Tortland’s potential treatment options: After confirming that the ulnar nerve is compressed at the elbow, Dr. Tortland may consider ultrasound-guided nerve hydrodissection in selected cases. Potential benefit varies, and treatment choice depends on symptom severity, nerve testing when indicated, and whether weakness or nerve injury is present.

Physical therapy and traditional care: Traditional care often includes avoiding prolonged elbow bending or pressure, a night splint to limit flexion, ergonomic changes, and clinician-guided nerve-gliding or therapy. Nerve conduction testing may help clarify severity.

When other care may be needed: Persistent numbness, hand-muscle weakness, or loss of grip warrants timely evaluation. More severe or progressive nerve compression may require a hand or peripheral-nerve surgeon’s opinion.

Common questions

Questions about cubital tunnel syndrome

What causes ulnar nerve entrapment at the elbow?

Cubital tunnel syndrome is compression of the ulnar nerve at the inner elbow, often from prolonged elbow bending, leaning on the elbow or repeated stretch of the nerve. Prior injury, swelling or anatomy can also contribute. Symptoms should be assessed if they persist.

What are the symptoms of ulnar nerve entrapment?

Symptoms include numbness or tingling in the ring and small fingers, aching at the inner elbow and sometimes grip weakness. Symptoms may worsen when the elbow stays bent during sleep. Progressive weakness or visible hand-muscle wasting needs prompt evaluation.

What are the non-surgical treatment options for ulnar nerve entrapment?

Avoiding prolonged elbow flexion, night splinting, padding and selected nerve-gliding exercises are common non-surgical steps. A clinician may order nerve testing to assess severity. Persistent symptoms, muscle weakness or hand wasting should prompt timely specialist evaluation.

What regenerative options may help ulnar nerve entrapment?

Ultrasound-guided hydrodissection may be considered for selected cases to separate the ulnar nerve from surrounding tissue. Evidence remains limited and it cannot reverse advanced nerve damage. Persistent or progressive weakness needs prompt evaluation and may require surgical consultation.