What is carpal tunnel syndrome. How does it affect the hand and wrist. What are the common causes and risk factors. How is carpal tunnel syndrome diagnosed and treated. When should you seek medical attention for carpal tunnel symptoms.

Understanding Carpal Tunnel Syndrome: An Overview

Carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) is a common condition that affects the hand and wrist, causing numbness, tingling, weakness, and sometimes pain. It occurs when the median nerve, which runs from the forearm into the palm of the hand, becomes compressed within the carpal tunnel—a narrow passageway located at the base of the hand.

The median nerve is responsible for providing sensation to the palm side of the thumb, index finger, middle finger, and half of the ring finger. When this nerve is squeezed or compressed, it can lead to a range of symptoms that can significantly impact a person’s daily activities and quality of life.

The Anatomy of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

To better understand carpal tunnel syndrome, it’s essential to familiarize ourselves with the anatomy involved:

• The carpal tunnel: A narrow passageway in the wrist formed by bones and ligaments
• The median nerve: Runs through the carpal tunnel and provides sensation and movement to parts of the hand
• The transverse carpal ligament: Forms the roof of the carpal tunnel

When the tissues surrounding the flexor tendons in the carpal tunnel swell and put pressure on the median nerve, carpal tunnel syndrome develops. This pressure can lead to various symptoms and, if left untreated, may cause permanent nerve damage.

Common Causes and Risk Factors for Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

Carpal tunnel syndrome can be caused by various factors, and often, it’s a combination of elements that contribute to its development. Some common causes and risk factors include:

• Repetitive hand and wrist movements
• Anatomical factors (e.g., a naturally narrow carpal tunnel)
• Hormonal changes (e.g., pregnancy, menopause)
• Medical conditions (e.g., diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis)
• Occupational hazards (e.g., use of vibrating tools)
• Age and gender (more common in women and people between 30-60 years old)

It’s worth noting that while typing on a computer or using a mouse has not been definitively proven to cause carpal tunnel syndrome, these activities may contribute to tendinitis or bursitis, which can indirectly lead to CTS symptoms.

Occupational Risk Factors

Certain occupations may increase the risk of developing carpal tunnel syndrome due to the nature of the work involved. These include:

1. Assembly line workers
2. Carpenters and construction workers
3. Dental hygienists
4. Musicians
5. Hairdressers

While these professions may have a higher incidence of CTS, it’s important to remember that anyone can develop the condition, regardless of their occupation.

Recognizing the Symptoms of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

Identifying the symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome is crucial for early diagnosis and treatment. Common symptoms include:

• Numbness or tingling in the thumb, index, middle, and ring fingers
• Pain or burning sensation in the hand and wrist
• Weakness in the hand, particularly when gripping objects
• Difficulty with fine motor skills
• Waking up at night due to hand discomfort

These symptoms often start gradually and may worsen over time if left untreated. Many people report that their symptoms are more pronounced at night or early in the morning.

Progression of Symptoms

As carpal tunnel syndrome progresses, symptoms may become more severe and persistent. Advanced cases may lead to:

• Constant numbness in the affected fingers
• Decreased grip strength
• Difficulty distinguishing between hot and cold temperatures
• Atrophy of the muscles at the base of the thumb

If you experience any of these symptoms, it’s important to consult a healthcare provider for proper diagnosis and treatment.

Diagnostic Approaches for Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

Diagnosing carpal tunnel syndrome typically involves a combination of physical examinations and diagnostic tests. Healthcare providers may use the following methods to confirm a diagnosis:

Physical Examination

During a physical exam, your doctor may:

• Check for numbness in the palm and fingers
• Assess hand grip strength
• Perform the Tinel sign test (tapping over the median nerve)
• Conduct the Phalen test (bending the wrist forward for 60 seconds)

Diagnostic Tests

To confirm the diagnosis and rule out other conditions, your healthcare provider may order:

• X-rays: To check for arthritis or fractures
• Electromyography (EMG): To evaluate muscle function
• Nerve conduction studies: To measure the speed of nerve signals

These tests help determine the severity of the condition and guide treatment decisions.

Treatment Options for Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

The treatment for carpal tunnel syndrome depends on the severity of the condition and may include conservative measures, medications, or surgery.

Conservative Treatments

For mild to moderate cases, non-surgical treatments may be recommended:

• Wrist splinting, especially at night
• Ergonomic adjustments at work and home
• Rest and activity modification
• Physical therapy and exercises
• Application of cold and warm compresses

Medications

To manage pain and inflammation, your doctor may suggest:

• Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like ibuprofen or naproxen
• Corticosteroid injections into the carpal tunnel area

Surgical Intervention

If conservative treatments don’t provide relief or in cases of severe carpal tunnel syndrome, surgery may be necessary. The most common surgical procedure is called carpal tunnel release, which involves cutting the ligament that forms the roof of the carpal tunnel to relieve pressure on the median nerve.

While surgery is often successful, full recovery can take several months, and the outcome depends on the duration and severity of nerve compression prior to the procedure.

Preventing Carpal Tunnel Syndrome: Ergonomic Strategies and Lifestyle Changes

While not all cases of carpal tunnel syndrome can be prevented, there are several strategies that may help reduce your risk or manage symptoms:

• Maintain proper posture and wrist position while working
• Take regular breaks and perform stretching exercises
• Use ergonomic tools and equipment
• Avoid repetitive wrist movements when possible
• Strengthen the muscles in your hands and wrists
• Manage underlying health conditions that may contribute to CTS

Workplace Modifications

If your job involves activities that may increase your risk of carpal tunnel syndrome, consider implementing the following changes:

• Adjust your workstation to promote neutral wrist positioning
• Use ergonomic keyboards and mouse devices
• Employ cushioned mouse pads and keyboard wrist rests
• Consult with an occupational therapist for personalized recommendations

By implementing these preventive measures, you may be able to reduce your risk of developing carpal tunnel syndrome or minimize its impact on your daily life.

When to Seek Medical Attention for Carpal Tunnel Symptoms

Knowing when to consult a healthcare provider about carpal tunnel symptoms is crucial for preventing long-term complications. You should seek medical attention if:

• Symptoms persist for more than a few weeks
• Pain, numbness, or tingling interferes with your daily activities or sleep
• You experience weakness or difficulty gripping objects
• Conservative measures fail to provide relief
• You notice muscle wasting at the base of your thumb

Early intervention can help prevent permanent nerve damage and improve overall outcomes. Your healthcare provider can assess your symptoms, provide an accurate diagnosis, and recommend appropriate treatment options tailored to your specific needs.

Potential Complications of Untreated Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

If left untreated, carpal tunnel syndrome can lead to various complications, including:

• Permanent nerve damage
• Chronic pain and discomfort
• Loss of hand function and dexterity
• Decreased grip strength
• Difficulty performing daily tasks

By seeking timely medical attention and adhering to recommended treatments, you can significantly reduce the risk of these complications and improve your quality of life.

Living with Carpal Tunnel Syndrome: Coping Strategies and Support

For individuals diagnosed with carpal tunnel syndrome, adopting effective coping strategies and seeking support can make a significant difference in managing the condition and maintaining a good quality of life. Here are some approaches to consider:

Adaptive Techniques and Tools

Explore various adaptive techniques and tools that can help you perform daily tasks with less strain on your hands and wrists:

• Use voice recognition software for typing
• Employ jar openers and other assistive devices for household tasks
• Consider using a vertical mouse or trackball to reduce wrist strain
• Opt for ergonomic utensils and tools when possible

Stress Management

Stress can exacerbate symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome. Incorporating stress-reduction techniques into your routine may help alleviate symptoms:

• Practice mindfulness meditation
• Engage in regular exercise, such as yoga or tai chi
• Prioritize adequate sleep and rest
• Consider counseling or support groups for emotional support

Alternative Therapies

Some individuals find relief through alternative therapies, although scientific evidence for their effectiveness may vary:

• Acupuncture
• Chiropractic care
• Massage therapy
• Yoga or stretching exercises specifically designed for hand and wrist health

Always consult with your healthcare provider before trying any alternative treatments to ensure they are safe and appropriate for your condition.

Support Networks

Building a strong support network can be invaluable when living with carpal tunnel syndrome:

• Join online forums or support groups for individuals with CTS
• Communicate openly with family, friends, and colleagues about your condition
• Work with your employer to implement necessary accommodations at work
• Consider occupational therapy for personalized strategies and support

By adopting these coping strategies and seeking support, you can better manage your symptoms and maintain a fulfilling lifestyle while living with carpal tunnel syndrome.

Advances in Carpal Tunnel Syndrome Research and Treatment

The field of carpal tunnel syndrome research is continuously evolving, with new insights and treatment approaches emerging. Here are some recent developments and areas of ongoing research:

Minimally Invasive Surgical Techniques

Advancements in surgical techniques have led to the development of minimally invasive procedures for carpal tunnel release:

• Endoscopic carpal tunnel release
• Ultrasound-guided carpal tunnel release
• Mini-open techniques with smaller incisions

These approaches aim to reduce recovery time and minimize scarring compared to traditional open surgery.

Regenerative Medicine

Researchers are exploring the potential of regenerative medicine techniques in treating carpal tunnel syndrome:

• Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) injections
• Stem cell therapy
• Growth factor treatments

While these treatments show promise, more research is needed to establish their long-term effectiveness and safety.

Wearable Technology

The development of wearable devices for monitoring and managing carpal tunnel syndrome is an emerging area of research:

• Smart gloves that track hand movements and provide feedback
• Wearable sensors for early detection of CTS risk factors
• Biofeedback devices for improving hand and wrist positioning

These technologies may offer new ways to prevent and manage carpal tunnel syndrome in the future.

Genetic Research

Scientists are investigating the genetic factors that may contribute to carpal tunnel syndrome susceptibility:

• Identification of genetic markers associated with increased CTS risk
• Exploration of familial patterns in CTS occurrence
• Potential for personalized treatment approaches based on genetic profiles

This research may lead to more targeted prevention strategies and treatment options in the future.

As research in these areas continues to progress, individuals with carpal tunnel syndrome may benefit from new and improved treatment options. It’s important to stay informed about the latest developments and discuss emerging treatments with your healthcare provider to determine the most appropriate approach for your specific case.

Carpal tunnel syndrome: MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia

Carpal tunnel syndrome is a condition in which there is excessive pressure on the median nerve. This is the nerve in the wrist that allows feeling and movement to parts of the hand. Carpal tunnel syndrome can lead to numbness, tingling, weakness, or muscle damage in the hand and fingers.

The median nerve provides feeling and movement to the thumb side of the hand. This includes the palm, thumb, index finger, middle finger, and thumb side of the ring finger.

The area in your wrist where the nerve enters the hand is called the carpal tunnel. This tunnel is normally narrow. Any swelling can pinch the nerve and cause pain, numbness, tingling, or weakness. This is called carpal tunnel syndrome.

Some people who develop carpal tunnel syndrome were born with a small carpal tunnel.

Carpal tunnel syndrome can also be caused by making the same hand and wrist motion over and over. Using hand tools that vibrate may also lead to carpal tunnel syndrome.

Studies have not proved that carpal tunnel is caused by typing on a computer, using a mouse, or repeating movements while working, playing a musical instrument, or playing sports. But, these activities may cause tendinitis or bursitis in the hand, which can narrow the carpal tunnel and lead to symptoms.

Carpal tunnel syndrome occurs most often in people ages 30 to 60. It is more common in women than men.

Other factors that may lead to carpal tunnel syndrome include:

• Alcohol use
• Bone fractures and arthritis of the wrist
• Cyst or tumor that grows in the wrist
• Infections
• Obesity
• If your body keeps extra fluids during pregnancy or menopause
• Rheumatoid arthritis
• Diseases that have abnormal deposits of protein in the body (amyloidosis)

Symptoms may include any of the following: 

• Clumsiness of the hand when gripping objects
• Numbness or tingling in the thumb and next two or three fingers of one or both hands
• Numbness or tingling of the palm of the hand
• Pain that extends to the elbow
• Pain in the wrist or hand in one or both hands
• Problems with fine finger movements (coordination) in one or both hands
• Wasting away of the muscle under the thumb (in advanced or long-term cases)
• Weak grip or difficulty carrying bags (a common complaint)
• Weakness in one or both hands

During a physical exam, your health care provider may find:

• Numbness in the palm, thumb, index finger, middle finger, and thumb side of your ring finger
• Weak hand grip
• Tapping over the median nerve at your wrist may cause pain to shoot from your wrist to your hand (this is called the Tinel sign)
• Bending your wrist forward all the way for 60 seconds will usually result in numbness, tingling, or weakness (this is called the Phalen test)
• Difficulty in identifying two points along the fingers

Tests that may be ordered include:

• Wrist x-rays to rule out other problems, such as arthritis in your wrist
• Electromyography (EMG, a test to check muscles and the nerves that control them)
• Nerve conduction velocity (a test to see how fast electrical signals move through a nerve)

Your provider may suggest the following:

• Wearing a splint at night for several weeks. If this does not help, you may need to wear the splint during the day as well.
• Avoid sleeping on your wrists.
• Placing warm and cold compresses on the affected area.

Changes you can make in your workplace to reduce the stress on your wrist include:

• Using special devices, such as keyboards, different types of computer mouse, cushioned mouse pads, and keyboard drawers.
• Having someone review the position you are in when performing your work activities. For example, make sure the keyboard is low enough so that your wrists are not bent upward while typing. Your provider may suggest an occupational therapist.
• Making changes in your work duties or home and sports activities. Some of the jobs linked with carpal tunnel syndrome include those that involve vibrating tools.

MEDICINES

Medicines used to treat carpal tunnel syndrome include nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), such as ibuprofen or naproxen. Corticosteroid injections given into the carpal tunnel area may relieve symptoms for a period of time.

SURGERY

Carpal tunnel release is a surgical procedure that cuts into the ligament that is pressing on the nerve. Surgery is successful most of the time but depends on how long you’ve had the nerve compression and its severity.

Symptoms often improve without surgery. But more than one half of cases eventually need surgery. Even if surgery is successful, full healing can take months.

If the condition is treated properly, there are usually no complications. If untreated, the nerve can be damaged, causing permanent weakness, numbness, and tingling.

Contact your provider for an appointment if:

• You have symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome
• Your symptoms do not respond to regular treatment, such as rest and anti-inflammatory drugs, or if there seems to be a loss of muscle bulk around your fingers
• Your fingers lose more and more feeling
• You are dropping things and becoming more clumsy with your hand

Use tools and equipment that are properly designed to reduce the risk for wrist injury.

Ergonomic aids, such as split keyboards, keyboard trays, typing pads, and wrist braces, may be used to improve wrist posture during typing. Take frequent breaks when typing and always stop if you feel tingling or pain.

Median nerve dysfunction; Median nerve entrapment; Median neuropathy

• Compression of the median nerve
• Surface anatomy – normal wrist
• Carpal tunnel surgical procedure
• Carpal tunnel syndrome

Weller WJ, Calandruccio JH, Jobe MT. Compressive neuropathies of the hand, forearm, and elbow. In: Azar FM, Beaty JH, eds. Campbell’s Operative Orthopaedics. 14th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2021:chap 77.

Zhao M, Burke DT. Median neuropathy (carpal tunnel syndrome). In: Frontera WR, Silver JK, Rizzo TD Jr, eds. Essentials of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation: Musculoskeletal Disorders, Pain, and Rehabilitation. 4th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2019:chap 36.

Updated by: C. Benjamin Ma, MD, Professor, Chief, Sports Medicine and Shoulder Service, UCSF Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, San Francisco, CA. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, Brenda Conaway, Editorial Director, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team.

What You Should Know about Finger Nerves

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Fingers General

Your fingers are essential for completing daily chores and living a complete life. However, due to injury, cuts or trauma, it is possible that you might injure it. Frequently, such events lead to nerve damage in the finger. It is important that you get your hands and fingers checked at a reputable facility such as Arora Hand Surgery in Macomb, Michigan. Nerve damage in the finger can lead to severe complications if left untreated.

What Are The Common Causes?

Generally, nerve damage occurs in any part of the body due to trauma or injury. If you have been in an accident, then chances of nerve damage in your fingers increase greatly. You can also acquire an injury by overstretching your fingers.

Many times individuals crush their fingers between door jambs or while closing a drawer. Such trauma can also lead to massive nerve damage in the finger.

Additionally, burn accidents (even minor cooking burns) can lead to severe nerve damage. It is important that you get in touch with a knowledgeable surgeon in order to ensure that all parts of your fingers are in working order.

What Are The Symptoms Of Nerve Damage In the Finger?

The nerves present in fingers, wrists, and hands serve both motor and sensory purpose. If your nerves are damaged, then chances are that these functions shall be highly affected. Nerve damage can render you unable to use your fingers to the maximum. You might also experience minor symptoms such as twitching, tingling, burning, pain, and numbness. Other symptoms indicating damage of nerve in the finger can include weakness, increased sensitivity, and paralysis among others.

How to Test For Damage

There are many techniques and exercises that you can perform at home in order to recognize nerve damage in the finger. The first thing you should look for are signs of trauma or injury. It is possible to get injured without realizing while leading busy lives. For instance, you might have banged your hand on the car door in your hurry to get to work and not realized because the pain was minor. However, it is possible for an unassuming injury to escalate quickly into nerve damage. Hence, it is important that you carefully scrutinize your fingers for cuts, burns, and bruises.

Next, you should look for sensations. Check whether there is any tingling, numbness, pain, swelling or any other similar sensation. Notice if your fingers are not opening completely or are drooping slightly. You should go to a doctor immediately if there is discoloration or any deformity.

Lastly, there are exercises that can be performed to understand whether you have nerve damage the in finger. Check the strength of your fingers by holding a pencil in each finger and squeezing it.  Any finger that is unable to hold long might be injured.

There are many medications and treatment available to treat damage of nerve in the finger. However, it is important that you get in touch with a specialist.

Schedule An Appointment

If you think you might be experiencing nerve damage in your finger, give Arora Hand Surgery in Macomb Township a call to make a consultation with an experienced specialist.

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Ulnar neuritis, causes and effective treatment

What is ulnar neuritis? How is the ulnar nerve arranged, for what functions is it responsible? Why does the disease occur? Modern effective methods of treatment .

Our expert in this field:

Nurutdinova Elza Niazovna

Neurologist

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Neuritis of the ulnar nerve is an inflammatory disease. It ranks second in prevalence among lesions of the nerves of the hand after radiation neuritis. The ulnar nerve runs along the inner surface of the shoulder, then descends to the forearm and hand. In the area of ​​​​the internal epicondyle – a bony protrusion in the lower part of the shoulder on the inside – it is close to the skin, so it is often bruised in this place.

The ulnar nerve innervates the elbow joint, provides movement in the muscles of the forearm and hand, skin sensitivity in the area of ​​the little finger, ring finger. With neuritis, these functions are violated.

The main causes of neuritis of the ulnar nerve:

• Compression of the nerve in the place where it passes close to the elbow. Most often this happens in people who constantly lean their elbows on a table (office workers), a workbench, a machine tool in a factory.
• Injuries. Injury to the nerve trunk can occur with fractures of the medial epicondyle at the bottom of the humerus.
• Some infections. For example, typhoid fever.
• Poisoning. The disease often occurs in people who chronically abuse alcohol.
• Endocrine diseases. Neuritis can develop against the background of diabetes mellitus, disorders of the thyroid gland.
• Subcooling .

If you experience numbness, impaired movement in the muscles of the arm, do not engage in self-diagnosis and self-treatment. The correct treatment is the one prescribed by a competent specialist doctor after an examination, examination.

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Treatment of ulnar neuritis

Treatment of ulnar neuritis is carried out in several directions:

• If the disease is caused by a bacterial infection, antibiotics are prescribed, if by viruses – antiviral drugs.
• If the underlying disorder is vascular (the nerve is not getting enough oxygen and nutrients due to impaired blood flow), vasodilators are used.
• If neuritis is associated with trauma, unload the affected arm. For this, special tires are used.
• To combat pain and inflammation, the neurologist prescribes drugs from the group of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (diclofenac, ibuprofen).
• To reduce swelling of the nerve, diuretics are prescribed: diacarb, furosemide.
• Physical therapy is usually prescribed by the end of the second week of illness. Apply pulsed currents, UHF, ultraphonophoresis with hydrocortisone, electrophoresis with novocaine.

Best results are obtained if treatment is started early, as soon as the first symptoms appear. If, despite the ongoing therapy, after 1-2 months there is no improvement, the neurologist may raise the question of a surgical operation.

When the first symptoms appear, do not hesitate to visit a doctor. The earlier treatment is started, the better the result can be achieved. Book a consultation with a neurologist now. In the medical center International Clinic Medica24, this can be done at any time of the day by calling +7 (495) 120-19-58 .

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The ulnar nerve has a mixed structure: it consists of motor, sensory, vegetative (responsible for regulating blood circulation, sweat and sebaceous glands, and other functions) fibers. It performs the following functions:

• Flexion of the hand.
• Flexion of the little finger and ring finger, partly of the middle finger.
• Spreading and mixing fingers.
• Thumb adduction.
• Sensitivity of the inner (elbow) part of the hand, little finger, partly the ring finger, sometimes the middle finger.

Accordingly, in ulnar neuritis, the symptoms are associated with a violation of these functions. They can be identified and properly assessed by a doctor during a neurological examination.

What are the most common symptoms of ulnar neuritis?

Sensitivity disorders in neuritis are manifested by numbness in the area of ​​the little finger and ring finger, the inner surface of the hand. At the same time, unpleasant sensations appear in these places: tingling, a feeling as if goosebumps crawl over the skin. Pain in the hand may be bothersome.

Of the movement disorders, weakness in the muscles is noted, which are parted in different directions and bring the fingers together. The main phalanges (those that connect directly to the hand) of the fingers are extended (since another nerve, the radial, is responsible for their extension), and the distal ones are bent. As a result, the brush acquires a characteristic appearance – doctors call it in their jargon “clawed paw.” Gradually, the small muscles of the hand decrease in size and atrophy.

Vegetative disorders in ulnar neuritis are manifested in the form of symptoms such as dryness or increased moisture of the skin, cyanosis, coldness.

How does a neurologist identify symptoms of ulnar neuritis?

First of all, the doctor conducts a conversation with the patient – from it it becomes clear that the main problem with which the person came is neurological disorders of the arm, hand. A general neurological examination is mandatory – the doctor needs to assess the state of the nervous system as a whole, because the symptoms of neuritis can be caused by another, more serious disease.

The neurologist can then perform some simple tests to help identify the characteristic signs of ulnar neuritis:

• If the hand is clenched into a fist, the little finger, ring finger, and partly the middle finger will not fully bend.
• If you put the brush on the table with your palm down and try to “scratch” the surface of the table with your little finger, this will not work.
• Also in this position it will not be possible to bring and spread the fingers, it will be especially noticeable on the middle, ring finger, little finger.

Which diagnostic methods can be prescribed by a doctor?

The ulnar nerve passes through the shoulder, forearm, exits to the hand. At whatever level neuritis occurs, the symptoms will be about the same. The level of damage cannot be assessed during the examination. To do this, the neurologist prescribes electroneuromyography – a study during which the passage of nerve impulses is evaluated using special electrodes connected to the apparatus. This helps determine where the nerve signal is being blocked.

Treatment of symptoms of ulnar neuritis

For symptoms of ulnar neuritis, a neurologist prescribes treatment, which may include medications, physiotherapy, massage, exercise therapy.

Occasional acupuncture

Severe cases may require surgery. The surgeon frees the ulnar nerve from pathologically altered tissues that compress it, or sews the ends together if its integrity is compromised.

The sooner you contact a competent doctor, the sooner the correct treatment will be prescribed, the restoration of impaired functions will occur more quickly and fully. Make an appointment with a specialist right now: +7 (495) 120-19-58 .

The material was prepared by Elza Niazovna Nurutdinova, a neurologist at the international clinic Medica24.

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Ulnar Nerve Pinched: Why Your Little and Ring Fingers Go Numb

Ulnar Nerve Pinched is a common disorder that usually doesn’t pose much of a threat. However, it can cause severe complications if left untreated, such as paralysis and loss of sensation in the affected arm or palm. Timely diagnosis and treatment in most cases lead to a full recovery.

The ulnar nerve is a long nerve of the brachial plexus that provides sensation to the 4th and 5th fingers and the mobility of the hand and fingers. The nerve got its name from its location near the ulna. The ulnar nerve originates in the neck and runs through the entire arm to the fingers, innervating the flexor muscles of the arm.

Because the ulnar nerve runs the length of the arm, there are several areas along its path where it can be damaged. Squeezing and irritation is called pinching of the ulnar nerve. This is the 2nd most common painful pinched nerve in the upper body, scientists say.

The ulnar nerve may be pinched in any part of its course, but most often this occurs at the bend of the elbow or close to this point. This disorder is known as cubital tunnel syndrome. Less commonly, the ulnar nerve is pinched in the wrist area.

The most common cause of pinched ulnar nerve is pressure, researchers say. It can occur when a person leans on the elbow for a long time, when the nerve slips from its place when the elbow is bent, when fluid accumulates in the elbow joint, injuries and bone spurs of the elbow, when arthrosis or swelling of the elbow or wrist, as well as when repeated prolonged flexion and extension hands at the elbow joint.

Some symptoms of an ulnar nerve entrapment may occur in the elbow joint, but most of the symptoms involve the palm and fingers. Many symptoms are more pronounced when the arm is flexed at the elbow.

Symptoms of an ulnar nerve entrapment include numbness and tingling in the ring and little fingers, poor hand control, difficulty controlling the fingers when performing tasks (such as typing on a keyboard or playing instruments), sensitivity to cold, pain or weakness in the elbow, and in the later stages of the disease – muscle atrophy.

Timely diagnosis of an ulnar nerve pinch usually helps to avoid long-term loss of functionality and sensation in the hand and fingers, scientists say.