Ulnar nerve compression syndrome
When it comes to ulnar nerve compression syndrome, this is a condition in which pressure is placed on the ulnar nerve as it passes along the inner aspect of your elbow. Your ulnar nerve starts from a number of spinal nerves that are in your neck and it will travel through your upper arm into your forearm, hand as well as the fingers. The work of the ulnar nerve is to supply sensation to an inner aspect of your forearm, your palm, your little finger as well as half of your ring finger.
A direct impact towards your elbow may result in ulnar nerve compression. In addition, inflammation and damage of the tissue that is adjacent to your ulnar nerve can place pressure upon the nerve, and when this happens, this is what we refer to as ulnar nerve compression syndrome. Excessive traction to your nerve can also cause this condition, and this is common in throwing athletes where their elbows are subjected to excessive force during a cocking phase when throwing. This is a condition that occurs more commonly in your dominant arm and especially in cases of an overuse injury. On occasions, this nerve trauma can affect both of your arms.
Ulnar nerve injury symptoms
The treatment for ulnar nerve compression in most cases is ulnar nerve physical therapy. A physiotherapist will carefully assess the factors that may have made a contribution to this condition developing in the patient. The physiotherapist will also correct these factors so that the condition does not arise in the future. The compliance of the patient will contribute towards the success of the treatment. Sufficient rest from the activities that increase your symptom is one of the conditions that will determine how successful your treatment will be.The signs and symptoms that are associated with ulnar nerve compression can develop all of a sudden or gradually and the symptoms are as follows. Pins and needles, pain or ache in your forearm and elbow, burning sensation and numbness are some of the symptoms that one should be wary of. Tenderness in your nerve when pressed is another symptom that a person should lookout for. In a more severe case, weakness in your hand can also happen and your fingers may also feel weak. To confirm such a diagnosis, an objective and subjective examination can be done and nerve conduction studies might also be needed.
This means that you should minimize activities that place a lot of stress on your forearm and elbow in order to eliminate ulnar nerve compression syndrome. A patient therefore needs to desist from activities such as racquet sports, throwing, opening cans, jars or doors, gripping activities, lifting or carrying. When you rest from such activities, your body will begin the process of healing and you will also prevent further damage to your tissue. You should not ignore any warning signals because doing so might make your condition chronic. Once you can be able to do the above activities without any pain, you should gradually return to them.