Pennsylvania workers who are consistently performing repetitive motions are at a higher risk for developing permanent stress injuries like cubital tunnel syndrome. The second most common nerve compression injury behind carpal tunnel syndrome, this condition can cause pain, tenderness and eventually a loss of function in the hand. It’s vital that workers who are experiencing any of the symptoms of this condition talk with a doctor sooner rather than later.
What exactly is cubital tunnel syndrome?
Cubital tunnel syndrome is a result of consistent compression of the ulnar nerve at the medial epicondyle. Many people refer to the medial epicondyle as the funny bone of the body. When you smack this area of the body, you’re hitting the ulnar nerve, which sends tingling and numbness sensations inside of the arm and down to the fingers. When the ulnar nerve is compressed due to cubital tunnel syndrome, it provides the same symptoms of tingling and numbness as hitting your funny bone does.
Cubital tunnel syndrome is commonly the result of prolonged pressure on the ulnar nerve and a stretch position. The nerve stretches when the arm is bent at the elbow. This creates an unwanted compression force that reduces the blood flow to the nerve. The reason that many repetitive motion injuries are a result of cubital tunnel syndrome is that people are doing repetitive tasks with a bent elbow.
How is cubital tunnel syndrome treated?
Depending on the severity of the syndrome, it may be treated with physical therapy or it may require surgery. For mild to moderate cases of cubital tunnel syndrome, a physical therapist will help to modify your work activities and teach you a number of strengthening exercises for the area. Those who develop cubital tunnel syndrome because of workplace activities are likely eligible for workers’ compensation benefits to pay for their treatments.