What is Cubital Tunnel Syndrome?
Cubital tunnel syndrome is a condition in which the ulnar nerve is compressed as it passes through the elbow. The ulnar nerve carries impulses from the fingers of the hand to half of the fourth finger and the fifth finger. Therefore, compression of the nerve causes distress from the elbow to the hand and in these fingers. When the ulnar nerve is pinched, symptoms include pain, numbness and tingling from the elbow to the hand and fingers.
Causes of Cubital Tunnel Syndrome
Cubital Tunnel syndrome can be caused by various factors. The main causes are:
- Repetitive Movements: People who work at a desk with their elbows resting on the desk are prone to this condition. Activities such as using a computer, typing or talking on the phone for long periods of time can put the nerve under constant pressure.
- Traumas: People who have been hit in the elbow or traumatized in accidents are at risk. Trauma from a bump or fall can lead to a pinched nerve.
- Challenging Jobs: People who work in demanding jobs using their arms are more prone to pinched nerves. Professions such as carpenters, plumbers or athletes are at risk due to repetitive arm movements.
- Genetic Predisposition: Some individuals may genetically have a narrower canal through which the ulnar nerve passes, which increases the risk of nerve impingement.
Symptoms of Cubital Tunnel Syndrome
The symptoms of Cubital Tunnel syndrome are characterized by pain and discomfort, usually extending from the elbow to the hand. The main symptoms are:
- Pain in the Elbow: The pain, which is particularly intense on the inside of the elbow, is felt in the area where the ulnar nerve is compressed.
- Numbness and Tingling: Numbness and tingling in the fourth and fifth fingers are common.
- Power Loss: Decreased hand grip strength and weakness in fine motor skills may occur.
- Movement Restriction: There may be difficulty bending or extending the elbow fully.
- Hand and Finger Sensitivity: There may be increased tenderness at the tips of the fingers or in the palm of the hand.
Cubital Tunnel Syndrome Treatment Methods
Various methods can be used to treat cubital tunnel syndrome. Treatment options are determined according to the patient’s examination and test results:
- Prolotherapy: It is an injection therapy that promotes the healing of damaged tissues. A low-dose dextrose solution is injected into the damaged area to stimulate the body’s natural healing process.
- PRP (Platelet Rich Plasma): Platelet-rich plasma from the patient’s own blood is injected into the damaged area to speed up the healing process.
- Prolozone: This treatment with a mixture of ozone gas and prolotherapy reduces pain and promotes tissue repair.
- Collagen Injection: Collagen injections can be used to strengthen the elbow tendons and speed up healing. Collagen supports the body’s natural healing process and increases the strength of the tendons.
- Hyaluronic Acid Injection: Hyaluronic acid injections can be given to lubricate the joints and improve mobility. This treatment provides relief for the elbow joints and reduces pain.
- Stem Cell Therapy: Stem cell therapy is used to repair and regenerate damaged tissues. Stem cells from the patient’s own body are injected into the damaged area to stimulate tissue healing.
Who cannot receive treatment?
- Pregnant and Breastfeeding Mothers: Prolotherapy and similar treatments are not applied to these people.
- Patients on Active Cancer Treatment: Such treatments are not recommended for patients undergoing cancer treatment.
Living with Cubital Tunnel Syndrome
Cubital Tunnel syndrome is a condition that affects activities of daily living and causes pain. If left untreated, complaints may become chronic and movement limitation may increase. Methods such as prolotherapy, PRP, prolozone, collagen injection, hyaluronic acid injection and stem cell therapy offer effective solutions in the treatment of cubital tunnel syndrome. If you are experiencing symptoms of cubital tunnel syndrome, it is important to consult a specialist and get information about appropriate treatment options.
Cubital tunnel syndrome is a condition in which the ulnar nerve is compressed as it passes through the elbow, causing pain. With appropriate treatment methods, pain can be alleviated and mobility can be increased. Prolotherapy stands out as an effective method in the treatment of this syndrome. If you are experiencing symptoms of cubital tunnel syndrome, it is important to consult a specialist physician and get information about appropriate treatment options. It is possible to get rid of cubital tunnel syndrome with early diagnosis and correct treatment.