The ulnar nerve extends from the brachial plexus, which is the set of nerves in the shoulder, passing through the elbow bones and reaching the inner part of the palm. It is one of the main nerves of the arm and its function is to send commands for the movement of the forearm, wrist and the last fingers of the hand, such as the ring and the pinky.
Unlike most nerves, the ulnar nerve is not protected by any muscle or bone in the elbow region, so when a strike occurs in this region it is possible to feel the sensation of shock and tingling in the fingers.
For this reason, injuries and paralysis may occur on the ulnar nerve due to trauma or because the elbow is bent too long. There is also a very common situation, called cubital tunnel syndrome, which happens due to compression on this nerve and can get worse in people with other diseases, such as rheumatoid arthritis. Learn more about rheumatoid arthritis and what are the symptoms.
Where is the nerve
The ulnar nerve runs through the entire arm, starting at a shoulder region called the brachial plexus, passing through the cubital tunnel, which is the inner part of the elbow, and reaching the tips of the pinky and ring fingers.
In the elbow region, the ulnar nerve has no protection from muscles or bones, so when there is a knock on this place it is possible to feel the sensation of shock throughout the length of the arm.
Possible changes
Like any part of the body, the ulnar nerve can undergo changes due to trauma or health conditions, causing pain and difficulty in moving the arm and hands. Some of these changes can be:
1. Injuries
The ulnar nerve can be injured anywhere in its extension, due to trauma to the elbow or wrist, and these injuries can also occur because of fibrosis, which is when the nerve becomes more stiff. Symptoms of injuries to the ulnar nerve are severe pain, difficulty moving the arm, pain when flexing the elbow or wrist and "claw hand", which is when the last fingers are constantly bent.
Ulnar collateral ligament injury is a type of tear that can happen when a person falls and rests on the thumb or falls while holding an object, such as skiers who fall with a stick in their hand.
What to do: As soon as symptoms appear, it is important to consult an orthopedist to indicate the most appropriate treatment that can be based on the use of anti-inflammatory drugs, corticosteroids and, in more severe cases, surgery.
2. Compression
Compression of the ulnar nerve, which usually occurs in the elbow region, is called the cubital tunnel syndrome, which can be caused by the accumulation of fluids, pressure of the nerve for long periods, spurs, arthritis or cysts in the elbow bones. This syndrome mainly causes symptoms that are constant such as pain in the arm, numbness and tingling in the hands and fingers.
In some more advanced cases, the cubital tunnel syndrome causes weakness in the arm and difficulty holding objects. When symptoms appear, it is necessary to seek assistance from an orthopedist, who may order X-rays, MRI and blood tests.
What to do: After the diagnosis of cubital tunnel syndrome is confirmed, the doctor may recommend anti-inflammatory drugs, such as ibuprofen, to help reduce swelling around the nerve and relieve pain.
The use of orthoses or splints to assist in the movement of the arm may also be indicated, and in the latter case, the doctor refers for surgery to relieve pressure on the ulnar nerve.
3. Paralysis
Ulnar neuropathy, occurs because of paralysis and muscle loss of the ulnar nerve and causes the person to lose sensitivity and strength in the arm or wrist. This condition happens due to an inflammatory process that damages the nerve and causes difficulty in movement or atrophy in the elbow, arm and fingers.
In addition, ulnar neuropathy can also make it difficult for people to perform usual activities with their hands, such as holding a fork or pencil, and can cause tingling. See more about other causes of tingling in the hands.
It is necessary to consult the orthopedist for tests of local sensitivity and other imaging tests such as X-rays, computed tomography and blood tests to analyze certain markers of inflammation of the body.
What to do: The doctor may prescribe drugs to reduce spasms caused by nerve compression, such as gabapentin, carbamazepine or phenytoin. Corticosteroids and anti-inflammatory drugs may also be indicated to reduce nerve pain and inflammation. If even with medication treatment the symptoms do not improve, the doctor may indicate surgery.
Treatment with physiotherapy is important for recovery of movements and improvement of symptoms such as tingling, burning and pain, and the physiotherapist may recommend exercises to be performed at home.
