Cubital tunnel syndrome
Also called Ulnar Nerve Compression Syndrome,
this condition is caused by compression (pinching) of
the ulnar nerve as it passes through the cubital tunnel
in the arm (elbow). This will produce numbness in the
ring and little finger.
In severe cases, weakness of the hand muscles and the
wrist flexor on the side of the arm may be present.
Cubital tunnel syndrome is not as common as carpal
tunnel syndrome, and generally does not require surgical
intervention.
Numbness commonly occurs at night and is related to
the position of the arm.
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Sleeping with the elbow flexed will raise the pressure
in the cubital tunnel three times more than normal,
and sleeping with the hands behind the head will raise
the pressure seven times more than normal.
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Straightening out the arm will relieve the numbness,
and sleeping with the arm out straight helps avoid
hand numbness at night.
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