Cubital tunnel syndrome
Pins and needles in your fingers can be surprisingly disruptive, particularly when they keep coming back at night or while your elbow is bent.
Specialist hand and wrist care
Understanding what’s causing your symptoms
Your consultant will examine your hand and wrist, arranging tests if they’re needed.
Treatment shaped around you
Finding the right treatment for you
Many people can manage carpal tunnel syndrome without surgery.
Support for your recovery
Helping you use your hand with confidence
Your care will focus on easing pressure on the nerve and helping you move more comfortably.
What is cubital tunnel syndrome?
Cubital tunnel syndrome happens when the ulnar nerve is irritated or trapped at the elbow. The ulnar nerve runs down your arm into your hand and gives feeling to your little finger and part of your ring finger. It also helps control hand movement. Inside your elbow, the nerve passes through a narrow space called the cubital tunnel, near the area people call the ‘funny bone’. If the nerve is squeezed or pulled here, you may feel tingling or numbness in your hand. Your grip can also become weaker.
What causes cubital tunnel syndrome?
Keeping your elbow bent for long periods can add strain on the ulnar nerve. Repeated bending and straightening may also irritate it during some activities.
An injury around the elbow, such as a fracture, can sometimes reduce the space around the nerve. In other cases, there’s no obvious cause.
What are the symptoms of cubital tunnel syndrome?
You may notice tingling or numbness in your little finger and your ring finger, particularly after your elbow has been bent for a while.
If the nerve is more affected, your grip may feel weaker and smaller hand movements can become more difficult.
How is cubital tunnel syndrome diagnosed?
Your specialist will ask about your symptoms and examine your elbow and hand. They may check what you can feel in your fingers and test your hand strength to see how the nerve is affected.
You might also have a nerve conduction test and an EMG (electromyography) test. These tests show how well the nerve and muscles work and can help rule out a pinched nerve in your neck.
How is cubital tunnel syndrome treated?
Mild symptoms can sometimes settle by reducing pressure on the nerve, including avoiding positions where your elbow is bent for a long time.
If your symptoms continue or your hand becomes weaker, your specialist may discuss surgery to give the nerve more space.
Treatment routes for cubital tunnel syndrome
For milder symptoms, changing how you position your elbow may be enough. Try not to keep your elbow bent for long periods, or lean directly on it. A night splint may be suggested to keep your elbow in a more comfortable position.
Recovery goals after cubital tunnel syndrome surgery
Phase 1 goals:
Keep the wound protected and manage any swelling Begin gentle elbow and hand movement as advised Use your arm for light everyday tasks when comfortable
Phase 2 goals:
Gradually increase movement as your elbow settles Return to more everyday activities at a comfortable pace Start rebuilding hand and arm strength when advised
Phase 3 goals:
Build strength for work, exercise or other activities Gradually return to heavier or more demanding movements Allow time for tingling or numbness to improve as the nerve recovers
Working with Hand and Wrist professionals and teams
Our hand and wrist specialists support professional athletes, sports teams, active individuals and people whose work places high demands on their hands and wrists. Working closely with radiologists, physiotherapists and the wider multidisciplinary team, they provide coordinated care from diagnosis through to rehabilitation, helping each person return safely to sport, work or everyday activities.
The same specialist expertise and collaborative approach are available to every patient, whatever your activity level or recovery goals.
Our Experts - Leaders in Hand and Wrist treatment
How to pay
We offer flexible options depending on how you choose to access care at Fortius. Whichever option you choose, we’ll help make the process clear and straightforward from the start.
Private medical insurance
If your care is covered by private medical insurance, we’ll usually invoice your insurer directly. Please check your policy in advance and request an authorisation code if your insurer requires one. You’ll be responsible for paying any policy excess or costs that aren’t covered by your insurance.
Paying for yourself
You don’t need private medical insurance to access care at Fortius. If you’re paying for your own treatment, our team will explain the costs clearly and provide a personalised quote before you decide whether to go ahead.