Cubital Tunnel Syndrome Specialist
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Texas Orthopedic and Hand Specialist
Kent Weinheimer, M.D.
Board Certified Orthopedic Surgeon & Hand and Upper Extremity located in Amarillo, TX
If you notice numbness, tingling, hand pain, or elbow discomfort, turn to orthopedic surgeon Kent Weinheimer, MD, and the expert team at Texas Orthopedic and Hand Specialist in Amarillo, Texas. They can diagnose and treat cubital tunnel syndrome to relieve discomfort and reduce your risk of further tissue damage. Call the office to schedule an appointment or book one online today.
Cubital Tunnel Syndrome Q & A
What is cubital tunnel syndrome?
Cubital tunnel syndrome occurs when your ulnar nerve, a nerve that passes through a tunnel on the inside of your elbow, becomes inflamed, irritated, or swollen due to an injury. The cubital tunnel is made up of ligament, bone, and muscle tissue. Treatment can reduce the pain and give you a better quality of life.
What are the symptoms of cubital tunnel syndrome?
Common symptoms of cubital tunnel syndrome include:
- Hand pain
- Numbness
- Tingling
- Weak grip
- Clumsiness
- Aching pain in your elbow
See Dr. Weinheimer for an evaluation if your elbow, hand, forearm, or wrist pain is severe or ongoing.
What causes cubital tunnel syndrome?
The cause of cubital tunnel syndrome isn’t always known. It might result from bending your elbow a lot, leaning on your elbows often, or suffering an elbow injury. Additional cubital tunnel syndrome risk factors include arthritis, previous fractures, bone spurs, and elbow dislocation.
To reduce your risk of developing cubital tunnel syndrome, keep your arms strong and flexible with regular exercise. Avoid resting on your elbows, and warm up properly before working out.
How does my doctor diagnose cubital tunnel syndrome?
Dr. Weinheimer asks about your symptoms and medical history to diagnose cubital tunnel syndrome and develop an effective treatment. He examines your elbows, forearms, wrists, and hands. He might recommend that you undergo nerve tests and have X-rays or another imaging procedure done. They personalized each treatment based on your unique needs.
What are common cubital tunnel treatments?
Your cubital tunnel treatment plan will depend on how severe your condition is. Your doctor can suggest:
- Wearing a splint or elbow brace
- Using elbow pads
- Resting your elbow joint
- Taking medication
- Doing nerve gliding exercises
- Having steroid injections
- Undergoing surgery
Minor surgical procedures, including cubital tunnel release, can remove or reduce tissues pressuring the nerve and eliminate elbow discomfort.
Dr. Weinheimer first numbs the treatment area to help you avoid discomfort. He then makes tiny incisions, completes the procedure using specialized surgical tools, and closes the incision site.
Don’t live with elbow discomfort caused by cubital tunnel syndrome when simple treatments can speed up healing and improve your quality of life. Call the Texas Orthopedic and Hand Specialist office today or book an appointment online.
