by Matt Weik, BS, CSCS, CPT, CSN
For those who’re grappling with cubital tunnel syndrome, you perceive the ache and frustration it brings. It stems from stress on the ulnar nerve, stretching out of your neck to your hand. Signs embody arm and hand ache, tingling, and numbness.
The excellent news? Therapy and workouts have the flexibility to assist scale back signs in 50% to 88% of instances. On this article, we’re going to study a few of the finest practices to alleviate the ache.
Disclaimer: This text is for informational functions solely and isn’t meant to deal with or diagnose any situation. It is strongly recommended that you simply communicate along with your physician earlier than beginning an train program or in the event you really feel you undergo from cubital tunnel syndrome.
What’s Cubital Tunnel Syndrome?
Have you ever ever skilled that pins-and-needles sensation when your hand or foot falls asleep? Now, think about in case your pinky and ring finger continuously tingle whilst you’re driving or holding your cellphone — welcome to the potential threat of cubital tunnel syndrome.
This situation, often known as ulnar nerve entrapment, stems from accidents to the ulnar nerve. The damage begins on the neck, travels down the arm, and concludes its journey on the pinky and ring fingers. It’s chargeable for sensation within the internal forearm, pinky, and half of the ring finger. It additionally controls some hand and forearm muscle motion, which is essential for gripping.
As highlighted by the Postgraduate Medical Journal, cubital tunnel syndrome takes the highlight because the second most prevalent peripheral nerve entrapment syndrome, trailing carefully behind carpal tunnel points. This situation doesn’t draw back from making its presence recognized, inducing a variety of signs within the arm and hand. Ache, numbness, and muscle weak spot develop into unwelcome companions, significantly within the locations managed by the ulnar nerve, which is the ring and pinky fingers.
What Causes Cubital Tunnel Syndrome?
Cubital tunnel syndrome may be triggered by numerous components, corresponding to:
- Prolonged leaning on the elbow
- Presence of bone spurs
- Fluid retention throughout being pregnant
- Extended bending of the elbow over 90 levels
- Diabetes
- Unusual arthritis-induced joint injury within the elbow
- Historical past of elbow fractures or dislocations
Analysis features a bodily examination, nerve conduction research, electromyogram, and potential x-rays to determine nerve compression. These components are important for tackling the challenges attributable to cubital tunnel syndrome.
Workouts for Cubital Tunnel Syndrome
Irritation or adhesions alongside the ulnar nerve path can limit its mobility, primarily inflicting it to develop into immobilized. These workouts play an important position in stretching the ulnar nerve and selling motion inside the cubital tunnel.
1. Wrist extension
Ease the pressure on muscle tissue and tendons aggravating cubital tunnel syndrome with this easy stretch:
- Sit or stand tall, extending your arm in entrance of you with the palm going through down.
- Gently use your reverse hand to bend your wrist backward till you sense a stretch in your forearm muscle tissue.
- Keep the stretch for 30 seconds and repeat this sequence thrice.
2. Head tilt
To cut back rigidity and promote flexibility, attempt the pinnacle tilt train:
- Stand or sit in a snug place along with your backbone straight.
- Slowly tilt your head to anyone facet, bringing your ear towards your shoulder till you’re feeling a mild stretch.
- Maintain the place for 15-30 seconds, feeling the stretch alongside the facet of your neck.
- Return to the start place and repeat on the alternative facet.
- Carry out this stretch 2-3 occasions on both sides to assist ease rigidity and improve neck mobility.
3. Wrist flexion
The wrist flexion train reduces rigidity within the forearm muscle tissue and tendons, probably easing cubital tunnel syndrome signs:
- Begin by sitting or standing comfortably along with your arm stretched in entrance of you and your palm going through down.
- Use your reverse hand to slowly press your fingers and wrist downward, making a stretch within the forearm.
- Maintain the place for 15-30 seconds, feeling the stretch alongside the highest of your forearm.
- Repeat the train 2-3 occasions, incorporating it into your routine for aid from cubital tunnel syndrome discomfort.
4. Arm foam roll therapeutic massage
Give your arms a soothing contact with the arm foam roll therapeutic massage:
- Sit or stand comfortably with a foam curler inside attain.
- Place the froth curler below your forearm, making use of light stress.
- Slowly roll the froth alongside the size of your forearm, from the elbow to the wrist.
- Pause and gently rock facet to facet on areas that really feel tense.
- Carry out the identical course of on the opposite arm.
- Purpose for 1-2 minutes on every arm, adjusting stress based mostly on consolation.
5. A-OK
The current standard A-OK train development includes forming an “A-OK” image along with your hand and repetitively flexing and lengthening the fingers. This easy but efficient motion has gained traction for its potential to advertise finger flexibility and relieve rigidity.
6. Pronation stretch
Enhance flexibility and relieve rigidity with the pronation stretch:
- Sit or stand comfortably.
- Prolong your arm in entrance, palm going through down.
- Utilizing your reverse hand, apply a slight upward stress to rotate your palm upwards.
- Expertise a mild stretch in your forearm and wrist.
- Keep the place for 15-30 seconds, then swap arms.
- Repeat as wanted to advertise flexibility and scale back rigidity.
