Symptoms and Treatment for Ulnar Nerve Injury

The ulnar nerve lies right below the ulna and is considered as the largest nerve that is not protected by any bone or muscle. That is the reason why this nerve is highly susceptible to injuries. The ulnar nerve extends to the little finger and is also adjacent to the ring finger. This nerve innervates several muscles in the forearm.

Arm Nerve Injury

Injury to the ulnar nerve can be due to various factors, such as a long term trauma to the nerve. This nerve causes the tingling sensation when the elbow is struck. Such type of injury is considered common. However, if the injury is more serious like dislocations or fractures, this will result to a sudden trauma. Compression of the nerve can also result to an injury. This compression can be due to prolonged pressure on one or both palms that normally occurs when performing improper crunches or while cycling.

Another leading cause of ulnar nerve compression syndrome is the prolonged typing on the computer. The injury occurs on the palm section of the nerve, where it gets trapped or pinched. This entrapment is also referred to as ulnar nerve neuropathy. As the position of the nerve on the elbow is superficial, it is vulnerable to pinching or entrapment. Repetitive stress on the nerve can also lead to inflammation along with other symptoms.

Ulnar Nerve Injury Symptoms

The severity of the injury may vary from one person to another. However, the symptoms are almost the same and these symptoms include the following:

– Abnormal sensations
– Burning with tingling sensation on the little finger
– Weakness of the hand

In extreme conditions, injury to the ulnar nerve may result to the following:

– Complete or partial loss of the sensation on the fingers or hands
– Hand deformity
– Impaired normal movement of the hand due to severe pain.

Treatment of Ulnar Injury

The first line of treatment for the injury is focused on pain reduction. For this, analgesics are normally prescribed. If the problem is accompanied with swelling and inflammation, corticosteroids can also be administered. The affected part, which is usually the elbow or the wrist, is padded in order to prevent further damage. The last alternative is ulnar nerve release surgery. This is done if no medications can relieve the pain. Exercise is also recommended in case the injury is minor. Apart from that, vitamin B supplementation is also advised to speed up the process of healing.

Preventing Ulnar Injury

In case you are working on the computer for several hours, make sure that you allow your wrist to rest in order to prevent ulnar nerve compression. You should also exercise your wrist to relax the nerve. As much as possible, avoid resting your head onto your elbows, as it could make the latter more susceptible to nerve compression. Another way to prevent the injury is to stretch your hands and arms every now and then. Take note that ulnar injury is uncommon but if you are suffering from it, you need to seek immediate medical assistance in order to prevent permanent damage to this elbow nerve.