Cubital Tunnel Syndrome – Bromley Sports Injury Clinic

Key Points

Cubital Tunnel Syndrome occurs when the ulnar nerve is compressed at the inside of the elbow.
Symptoms include tingling, numbness, or weakness in the ring and little fingers.
It can be aggravated by prolonged elbow bending, leaning on elbows, or repetitive activities.
At Bromley Sports Injury Clinic we use clinical assessment and diagnostic ultrasound to confirm diagnosis and guide treatment.

What is Cubital Tunnel Syndrome?

The ulnar nerve runs behind the bony bump on the inside of the elbow (the “funny bone”).

When compressed in the cubital tunnel, it causes tingling, numbness, or weakness in the forearm, hand, and fingers.
It’s the second most common nerve entrapment in the arm after carpal tunnel syndrome.

Symptoms

Tingling or numbness in the ring and little fingers
Weakness in grip or finger coordination
Pain or aching along the inside of the elbow or forearm
Symptoms worse with prolonged elbow bending (phone use, sleeping with arm bent, driving)
Clumsiness or dropping objects

Causes & Risk Factors

Repetitive elbow bending (typing, phone use, sports)
Leaning on elbows for long periods (desk work, cycling)
Previous elbow injuries (fractures, dislocations, arthritis)
Thickened connective tissue or swelling around the nerve
Occupations with heavy use of tools or vibration

Why Diagnostic Ultrasound Matters

Cubital tunnel symptoms can mimic other conditions. Ultrasound provides clarity by:

Visualising the ulnar nerve in the cubital tunnel
Detecting nerve swelling, compression, or subluxation (slipping)
Ruling out alternative causes (tendinopathy, bursitis, elbow arthritis)
Guiding injections if needed

👉 This ensures accurate diagnosis and avoids misattribution to tennis or golfer’s elbow.

Diagnosis at Bromley Sports Injury Clinic

Osteopathic assessment – movement testing, nerve provocation, strength checks
Diagnostic ultrasound – dynamic imaging of the ulnar nerve around the elbow
Referral – nerve conduction studies or orthopaedic input if severe weakness is present

Self-Help

Avoid leaning on elbows or prolonged elbow flexion
Take breaks from phone use and desk work
Stretch forearm and wrist muscles gently
Night-time splints to keep the elbow straighter during sleep
Supportive desk ergonomics

Treatment Options at Bromley Sports Injury Clinic

✅ Osteopathic care – mobilisation and nerve gliding techniques
✅ Exercise rehabilitation – strengthening forearm and hand muscles
✅ Sports massage – easing forearm tightness contributing to compression
✅ Diagnostic ultrasound – confirming entrapment and ruling out alternatives
✅ Activity modification advice – ergonomic and training corrections
✅ Referral – nerve conduction testing or surgical opinion in severe cases

Prevention

Keep elbows supported but not compressed when working at a desk
Avoid repetitive, prolonged elbow flexion without breaks
Stretch forearms regularly if in manual work or sport
Early treatment of elbow injuries to prevent long-term irritation

FAQs – Cubital Tunnel Syndrome

Q: How is cubital tunnel different from carpal tunnel?
Carpal tunnel affects the median nerve at the wrist, while cubital tunnel affects the ulnar nerve at the elbow.

Q: Do I need a scan?
Ultrasound is excellent for visualising the ulnar nerve and confirming entrapment.

Q: Can it go away on its own?
Mild cases often improve with activity changes and splinting. Persistent cases need targeted rehab.

Q: Is surgery required?
Only if conservative care fails or there is progressive weakness.

Book Your Appointment

Don’t ignore tingling or numbness in your hand. Book a cubital tunnel syndrome assessment in Bromley today for expert diagnosis and treatment.

📍 Bromley Sports Injury Clinic | Same-week appointments available

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