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    4. Cubital Tunnel Syndrome

    Cubital Tunnel Syndrome

    At Mayo Clinic Healthcare in central London, our orthopaedic specialists provide expert assessment and care for cubital tunnel syndrome. If you have numbness, tingling, or weakness in your hand or fingers, our team will work with you to understand the cause and recommend a treatment plan that fits your needs.

    Cubital tunnel syndrome develops when the ulnar nerve is compressed or irritated as it passes around the inside of the elbow. The ulnar nerve helps control feeling and movement in parts of your hand, including your ring and little fingers. Early assessment may help relieve symptoms, reduce pressure on the nerve, and lower the chance of lasting nerve problems.

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    • Cubital tunnel syndrome is a condition that affects the ulnar nerve, one of the main nerves supplying the hand and forearm. The nerve travels through a narrow passage on the inside of the elbow, known as the cubital tunnel.

      When the nerve becomes compressed or stretched, it cannot send signals normally. This can lead to changes in sensation, weakness and difficulty using your hand.

      Cubital tunnel syndrome is the second most common nerve compression condition in the upper limb after carpal tunnel syndrome.

    • Cubital tunnel syndrome symptoms often develop gradually and may come and go at first. As pressure on the ulnar nerve increases, symptoms may become more frequent or persistent.

      You may experience: 

      • Numbness or tingling in your ring and little fingers
      • Pain on the inside of the elbow
      • Weakness in your hand or grip
      • Difficulty with fine motor tasks, such as fastening buttons or holding small objects
      • A feeling that your hand is becoming clumsy
      • Symptoms that are worse when your elbow is bent for long periods, such as while sleeping or talking on the phone

    • Cubital tunnel syndrome develops when pressure is placed on the ulnar nerve or when the nerve is repeatedly stretched.

      Common causes and risk factors include: 

      • Keeping your elbow bent for long periods
      • Repeated bending and straightening of the elbow
      • Leaning on the inside of your elbow for extended periods
      • Previous elbow injury or fracture
      • Swelling around the elbow
      • Bone spurs or arthritis affecting the elbow joint
      • In some cases, no clear cause can be identified

      Your consultant will review your symptoms, medical history and daily activities to help understand what may be contributing to your symptoms.

    • Diagnosis begins with a detailed consultation and examination by your specialist.

      Your assessment may include:

      • A discussion about your symptoms, when they occur, and how they affect your daily activities
      • Examination of your hand, wrist, and elbow
      • Assessment of muscle strength, sensation, and finger movement
      • Physical tests to check whether the ulnar nerve is irritated

      If further information is needed, your consultant may recommend additional tests, including:

      • Nerve conduction studies, which measure how well electrical signals travel through the ulnar nerve
      • Electromyography (EMG), which assesses how well muscles are receiving signals from the nerve
      • Ultrasound, to look for swelling or compression of the nerve
      • Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), if another condition affecting the elbow is suspected

      Different people require different tests, and your diagnostic pathway will be tailored to your symptoms and examination findings.

    • Treatment depends on your symptoms, how long they have been present and whether there are signs of nerve damage. Many people improve with nonsurgical treatment, especially when symptoms are mild or found early.

      For many people, symptoms can improve without surgery.

      Your treatment plan may include:

      Activity modification

      Avoiding activities that place prolonged pressure on the elbow or require repeated bending may help reduce irritation of the nerve.

      Splinting

      Wearing a splint at night can help keep the elbow in a straighter position while you sleep, reducing pressure on the ulnar nerve.

      Medication

      Pain-relieving or anti-inflammatory medicines may help manage discomfort, if appropriate.

      Physiotherapy

      Exercises and nerve gliding techniques may help improve movement and reduce irritation of the nerve. Your physiotherapist can also advise on posture and activity changes that may help prevent symptoms from returning.

      Surgery

      If symptoms are severe, continue to worsen, or there are signs of significant nerve damage, surgery may be recommended to relieve pressure on the ulnar nerve. Your consultant will discuss whether this is the most appropriate option for you.

      Although Mayo Clinic Healthcare in London does not offer surgery, we collaborate with leading healthcare professionals who are able to carry out these procedures.

    • Patients choose Mayo Clinic Healthcare for access to experienced orthopaedic specialists and coordinated care for conditions affecting the hand, wrist, and elbow.

      Our approach includes: 

      • Consultant-led assessment and diagnosis
      • Access to advanced diagnostic testing, including nerve conduction studies and imaging where appropriate
      • Personalised treatment plans based on your symptoms and lifestyle
      • Collaboration with specialists in orthopaedics, physiotherapy, and diagnostic imaging
      • Evidence-based care informed by international clinical expertise

      As part of the globally recognised Mayo Clinic network, we are committed to helping you understand your condition and supporting you at every stage of your care.

    Private health insurance

    Mayo Clinic Healthcare works with all major private health insurance providers, including AXA PPP, Aviva, BUPA, Health Partners Group, Vitality Health and WPA. Self-pay arrangements are also available.

    Book a cubital tunnel appointment

    If you are experiencing cubital tunnel syndrome symptoms, including numbness, tingling or weakness in your hand or fingers, our specialists can help assess the cause and discuss the most appropriate treatment options.

    Request an appointment today or call +44 (0) 207 871 2575 to speak with our team. 

     

    Medically Reviewed by

    Mr Karthik Karuppaiah, Consultant Orthopaedic Surgeon

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