How To Prevent and Treat Cubital Tunnel Syndrome
Sometimes our bodies have a way of telling us, "Hey, that's enough!" This happens quite often when our fingers go numb while scrolling on our phones. It's normal to feel these pins and needles occasionally, but if this is becoming a daily nuisance, you may be developing
"Cubital tunnel syndrome has become more common after the advent of smartphones," says Shaun Mendenhall, MD, a hand and plastic surgeon at 91麻豆天美直播. "I have been seeing more and more patients experiencing chronic pain and even weakness, most likely due to constant scrolling and talking on their phones while their elbows are bent."
What Is Cubital Tunnel Syndrome?
Cubital tunnel syndrome (also known as 鈥渃ell phone鈥 or 鈥渟martphone elbow鈥) is caused by a pinched or inflamed ulnar nerve, which runs under the 鈥渇unny bone鈥 and controls the ring and pinky fingers. When the elbow is constantly bent at over a 90-degree angle, the ulnar nerve can become squished and eventually damaged, causing the following symptoms:
- Tingling and/or numbness in the ring and pinky finger
- Weakness in the hand
- The not-so-funny sensation of hitting your "funny bone"
Next to carpal tunnel syndrome鈥攁nother condition aggravated by repetitive motions鈥攃ubital tunnel syndrome is the second most common peripheral nerve compression disorder. The key distinction is that the issue originates from a nerve in the elbow, not the wrist.
Who's Most at Risk?
Anyone at any age can get cubital tunnel syndrome, which is why it's important to pay attention to both your cell phone and sleeping habits.
"Many people develop cubital tunnel syndrome while sleeping if they tend to curl up in a ball," Mendenhall says. "When they wake up, they may find their fingers鈥攐r even their entire arm鈥攏umb. If this occurs, we recommend using a brace or splint to keep their elbows straight while sleeping."
If you鈥檙e prone to sleeping in the fetal position, try loosely wrapping and securing a to keep them from bending so tightly at night. You can also ask your doctor for a custom brace.
How Can I Avoid This?
Let's face it鈥攎ost of us can't quit using our cell phones. But we can change how we use them. Here are some ways to alter your lifestyle habits to prevent nerve damage:
- Go on a tech diet by carving out phone-free times in the day.
- Talk through the speaker rather than holding your phone to your ear.
- Avoid leaning on your elbows, especially on hard surfaces, for long periods of time.
- Use elbow pads when working at a desk and take stretch breaks.
- Stop or significantly alter any activities that cause pain or numbness.
When Should I Get Help?
If symptoms continue throughout the day, even while your elbows are at rest, it's time to consult your doctor. Diagnostic tests, ordered by a hand specialist or a primary care physician, could include an electromyography (EMG) and nerve conduction study. These tests will help determine whether your condition is causing nerve damage and whether it is mild, moderate, or severe.
"It's normal for numbness and tingling to occur occasionally," Mendenhall says. "However, if it's disrupting your sleep or frequently happening during the day when your elbow is not sharply bent, it's time to see a doctor. The good news is most cases improve as long as you avoid aggravating the condition."
Treatments include:
- Resting and minimizing aggravating activities
- Anti-inflammatory medications
- Hand or occupational therapy
- A brace for sleeping
- Cubital tunnel release surgery
If conservative treatments aren鈥檛 helping, you may want to speak with your doctor about surgery, which can be described as minor and performed in an outpatient setting.
"The worst thing you could do is to ignore your symptoms and forgo treatment, which could lead to irreversible nerve damage," Mendenhall says. "This condition is highly treatable and curable with treatment, and many of my patients go on to live happy, healthy lives after surgery."
