- info@irosm.com
- 3333 West Commercial Blvd , Ste 101 Fort Lauderdale , Fl, 33309
(954) 751 6990
(954) 751 6990
Numbness or tingling in the ring and little fingers, an ache on the inside of the elbow, or a clumsy, weaker grip can be cubital tunnel syndrome. It happens when the ulnar nerve, the “funny bone” nerve, is squeezed or irritated at the elbow.
At the Institute of Regenerative Orthopedics & Sports Medicine (IROSM), Dr. Jorge Gonzalez, MD at IROSM in Fort Lauderdale uses in-office ultrasound to look at the ulnar nerve and builds a non-surgical plan for appropriate candidates.
Book Your Appointment Now: (954) 751-6990 Make an Inquiry Online
Cubital tunnel syndrome is pressure or irritation of the ulnar nerve where it passes behind the inner bump of the elbow, through a narrow space called the cubital tunnel. The ulnar nerve runs from the neck to the hand and controls feeling in the ring and little fingers and many of the small hand muscles.
It is the second most common nerve compression in the arm, after carpal tunnel syndrome. Dr. Gonzalez evaluates cubital tunnel syndrome at IROSM in Fort Lauderdale to confirm where the nerve is being pinched and how much it is affected.
Weakness or muscle thinning in the hand can mean the nerve is under more pressure and should be checked soon.
Cubital tunnel syndrome is often linked to keeping the elbow bent for long periods, such as holding a phone or sleeping with the arms bent, and to leaning on the elbow. Other causes include past elbow fractures or dislocations, elbow arthritis and bone spurs, and a nerve that slips over the bone when the elbow bends. In many people, no single cause is found.
Both cause pain on the inside of the elbow, so they are easy to confuse. Golfer’s elbow is a tendon problem. It hurts when you grip, lift or bend the wrist, and it usually does not cause numbness. Cubital tunnel syndrome is a nerve problem. It causes tingling or numbness in the ring and little fingers, often worse with the elbow bent. The two can also happen together.
At IROSM in Fort Lauderdale, a hands-on exam and in-office ultrasound let Dr. Gonzalez look at both the tendon and the ulnar nerve during the same visit.
Diagnosis of cubital tunnel syndrome at IROSM in Fort Lauderdale starts with your symptoms and an exam of the elbow, hand and neck. Ultrasound can show a swollen ulnar nerve or a nerve that slips out of place when the elbow bends. Nerve conduction tests and EMG may be ordered to measure how the nerve is working. Because a pinched nerve in the neck can cause similar symptoms, Dr. Gonzalez also checks for radicular neck pain. Learn more about ultrasound for orthopedics and sports medicine.
Mild to moderate cubital tunnel syndrome is often treated without surgery. At IROSM in Fort Lauderdale, options may include:
Not leaning on the elbow, using a headset instead of holding a phone, and changing arm positions at work can ease pressure on the nerve.
A splint or padded sleeve worn at night keeps the elbow from bending fully while you sleep.
Gentle exercises taught by a therapist may help the ulnar nerve move more freely.
Fluid is injected around the nerve under ultrasound to free it from surrounding tissue. Evidence is still developing. Read how image-guided injections improve accuracy.
Cubital tunnel treatment without surgery is not right for every patient, results vary, and candidacy is decided at an in-person evaluation.
Surgery is usually considered when numbness is constant, there is hand weakness or muscle thinning, or symptoms continue despite non-surgical care. Common operations free the nerve (simple decompression) or move it to the front of the elbow (transposition). If surgery is the better fit for you, Dr. Gonzalez will explain why and help with a referral to a hand surgeon.
Providing cubital tunnel syndrome and elbow pain evaluation and treatment to residents in Fort Lauderdale, Oakland Park, Tamarac, Lauderdale Lakes, Plantation, Pompano Beach, and Broward County. For our Hialeah office, se habla español.
Institute of Regenerative Orthopedics & Sports Medicine (IROSM)
3333 West Commercial Blvd, Suite 101
Fort Lauderdale, FL 33309
Phone: (954) 751-6990
Triple board-certified · Fellowship-trained at the Andrews Institute · Fort Lauderdale & Hialeah
Schedule a consultation with Dr. Jorge Gonzalez at IROSM in Fort Lauderdale for an exam and in-office ultrasound of your elbow and ulnar nerve.
Book Your Appointment Now: (954) 751-6990 Make an Inquiry Online
Disclaimer: This content is for general educational purposes and does not constitute formal medical advice. Individual patient outcomes will vary. Cubital tunnel syndrome treatment at IROSM in Fort Lauderdale requires a clinical examination by Dr. Jorge Gonzalez to establish candidacy. Serving Fort Lauderdale, Pompano Beach, Plantation, and surrounding Broward County communities.
