Cubital tunnel syndrome (ulnar neuropathy)

What is Cubital Tunnel Syndrome? 

Cubital tunnel syndrome is a condition where a nerve (Ulna nerve) is irritated and sometimes compressed where it passes through a short tunnel at the elbow (‘funny bone’).

The main symptom is altered feeling in the little and ring finger. People often describe it as a tingling sensation. It may be painful along the line of the nerve from the inner elbow to the ring and little fingers. It can also make the muscles feel weaker, including the muscles between the fingers and the thumb.   

Most times there is no obvious cause but arthritis or direct trauma can be a trigger for some.  There are a number of conditions that can look like cubital tunnel syndrome but are indeed something else. One example is nerve annoyance from the neck. If in doubt, seek guidance from a health professional.