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Cubital tunnel syndrome

Tingling in the little and ring fingers comes from the ulnar nerve being squeezed at the elbow, not at the wrist. It is the position of the elbow that does it, and changing that position is most of the treatment.

Do not wait for an appointment

Numbness that comes and goes recovers. Weakness is much slower — do not wait for it.

  • The little and ring fingers start to feel clumsy, or you drop things
  • You notice wasting — a hollow between the thumb and index finger on the back of the hand
  • The fingers begin to curl and will not straighten fully
  • The numbness becomes constant rather than coming and going
  • There was a fall or blow to the elbow before it started
Shoulder & elbowOften settles in 6–12 weeks

Do this

  • Work out where your elbow is bent for a long time. Sleeping curled up, a long phone call, a desk with the elbow folded, resting it on a car window
  • Sleep with the elbow straight. A towel wrapped loosely round the front of the elbow, or a soft splint, stops it folding at night. This one change settles more of these than any tablet
  • Keep the elbow off hard surfaces. The nerve lies just under the skin there and is easily pressed
  • Hold the phone with the other hand, or use speaker or earphones

Avoid this

  • Leaning on the elbow — desk, table, autorickshaw or car window edge
  • Sleeping with the arm folded under the pillow or under your head
  • Strong massage or pressing over the tender spot behind the bony point. The nerve is right there and pressing it makes it worse
  • Waiting to see if weakness recovers on its own. Numbness that comes and goes is reversible. Muscle wasting is much less so

The questions everybody asks

Why the little and ring fingers?

That is the territory of one nerve.

The ulnar nerve supplies the little finger and half the ring finger, and nothing else in the hand. When those two are affected and the thumb and index are normal, the problem is that nerve — and the commonest place it is squeezed is behind the elbow.

Is this the same as carpal tunnel?

No, and the difference matters.

Carpal tunnel is a different nerve, squeezed at the wrist, and it affects the thumb, index and middle fingers. This is the ulnar nerve at the elbow. The treatments are different and so are the operations, which is why it is worth being sure which one you have.

Why is it worse at night?

Because of how you sleep.

Bending the elbow stretches the nerve and narrows the space it runs through. Most people sleep with the elbow folded for hours, which is why they wake with the hand asleep. Keeping the elbow straight at night is the single most useful thing you can do.

Will I need an operation?

Most people do not.

Changing the position, especially at night, settles the majority within six to twelve weeks. Surgery is for the ones who do not settle, and particularly for anyone whose hand is losing muscle — that is the situation where waiting costs you something.

Guides for you

In your language, free to download. Each one is a short PDF you can keep on your phone or print.

Nerve Pain Tablets Englishहिंदीमराठी
Posture at Work — Desk, Computer and Phone Englishहिंदीमराठी
Braces, Splints and Slings Englishहिंदीमराठी
Starting to Exercise Safely Englishहिंदीमराठी

On cost: if we suggest a scan, an injection or an operation, ask us what it costs and what happens if you do nothing. We will answer both. You should never feel pushed into spending money.

Consultation is ₹500 for a first visit and ₹300 for a follow-up, the same at both clinics. For anything else, ask at the desk or on WhatsApp before it is done — we will tell you the exact cost.

Should you come and see us?

A page is a starting point, not a diagnosis. If the pain is not settling, come in and have it looked at properly — bring any X-ray, MRI or CT films you already have.

Nallasopara West

Opposite Patil Hospital

Shop No. 14, Veena Apartment,
Opposite Patil Hospital, near Panchmukhi Hanuman Mandir,
S.T. Stand Road, Nallasopara West — 401203

Monday to Saturday
12:00 noon – 2:00 pm  ·  7:30 pm – 9:30 pm
Sunday by prior appointment only

Call 87665 22099

Virar East

Opposite Parimal Hospital

Shop No. 7, Damodar Tower,
Opposite Parimal Hospital, Morya Nagar,
Manvel Pada Road, Virar East — 401305

Monday to Saturday
5:30 pm – 7:30 pm
Sunday by prior appointment only

Call 92702 84859

Other conditions

Ready when you are.

Call either clinic during consulting hours, or send a WhatsApp message any time.

Nallasopara West Virar East