Ulnar Nerve Entrapment Therapy

Your ulnar nerve is one of the main nerves in your arm. When this structure becomes compressed, it can result in numbness and tingling in your hands and fingers. Although this condition can be managed with nonsurgical treatments, your doctor may recommend surgery if further damage is caused.

At Barrington Orthopedic Specialists, our highly-trained, certified specialists can provide various forms of ulnar nerve entrapment therapies. Based on your condition, this may include occupational therapy to strengthen the ligaments in your hands or elbows, anti-inflammatory medication, or splints to immobilize the elbow. Surgical options for this condition include nerve release surgery to decompress pressure applied to the nerve structure. Our team will work with you to discover a treatment plan best suited to your condition and goals.

If you are struggling with damage to your ulnar nerve, do not allow your condition to worsen. Schedule your first consultation with the team at Barrington Orthopedic Specialists today. If you’re in an emergency situation, visit the Immediate Care Clinic at our Schaumburg, IL location.

What Is An Ulnar Nerve Release?

Ulnar nerve release surgery is a procedure for cubital tunnel syndrome – also known as ulnar nerve entrapment. Cutibal tunnel syndrome is a condition in which nearby tissue puts pressure on the nerve inside the cubital tunnel, a narrow space through which the ulnar nerve passes around the elbow. One of the main nerves of the arm, the ulnar nerve travels from the neck to the fingers and is responsible for the sensitive area known as the “funny bone.” The cubital tunnel’s narrowness and minimal soft tissue make the ulnar nerve especially vulnerable to irritation.

Cubital tunnel syndrome can be caused by a repetitive stressor, such as frequently bending or leaning on the elbow, or by fluid buildup or trauma to the elbow. Symptoms of cubital tunnel syndrome include pain, numbness and a “pins and needles” tingling in the elbow that can extend to the ring finger and little finger. Other symptoms include muscle weakness and impaired muscle control in the fingers. When these symptoms do not improve with nonsurgical therapies, your physician may recommend a surgical procedure called cubital tunnel release.

Similar to the surgery performed for carpal tunnel syndrome, the ulnar nerve release operation helps reduce pressure on the ulnar nerve by cutting and separating the overlying ligament. The ligament may gradually grow back together post-surgery, but there will be more space in the ulnar tunnel.