Cubital Tunnel Syndrome Treatment
The ulnar nerve runs from the cervical spine through the elbow and down into the hand, passing through a narrow passage called the cubital tunnel on the inside of the elbow. When this nerve becomes compressed or irritated — whether from an elbow injury or condition, repetitive bending motions, prolonged pressure, or inflammation within the joint — the result is cubital tunnel syndrome, also known as ulnar nerve entrapment. Symptoms typically include tingling and numbness in the ring and pinky fingers, a sensation of the hand “falling asleep,” aching along the inner elbow, and progressive weakness in grip strength that can interfere with everything from athletic performance to everyday tasks.
Dr. Jonathan Glashow is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon and Clinical Associate Professor of Orthopedic Surgery at NYU Grossman School of Medicine, with more than 30 years of experience diagnosing and treating complex elbow conditions. A graduate of Cornell University Medical College with fellowship training in sports medicine and arthroscopic surgery at the Southern California Orthopedic Institute/UCLA, he has performed over 15,000 orthopedic procedures — including nerve-related elbow cases in professional athletes during his tenure as Chief Medical Officer for the New Jersey Devils and Philadelphia 76ers. Named a Castle Connolly Top Doctor every year since 2000, Dr. Glashow provides both conservative and surgical treatment options for cubital tunnel syndrome at his Upper East Side practice in New York City.
Symptoms and Causes of Ulnar Nerve Entrapment
The sensation you feel when you hit your “funny bone” is your ulnar nerve. It runs through the cubital tunnel in the elbow, which goes through the muscle, ligaments and bone. Certain injuries, repetitive use and degenerative joint conditions can result in inflammation and other factors that put pressure on the ulnar nerve as it passes through the cubital tunnel. Symptoms of cubital tunnel syndrome include:
- Tingling or numbness on the outside of the hand, especially the pinky and ring fingers
- Sensation of hand “going to sleep”
- Weakness when gripping items
- Hand pain
- Aching on the inside of the elbow
Cubital tunnel syndrome can be caused by fractures or dislocations to the elbow that cause ulnar nerve entrapment. This condition is also common in those who perform repetitive movements involving bending the elbow, including certain sports or workplace lifting.
Mild or moderate cases of cubital tunnel syndrome can be treated with conservative methods of rest, exercise and anti-inflammatory medications. For more severe symptoms, injection therapy or surgery may be recommended to eliminate pressure on the ulnar nerve.
Get Expert Cubital Tunnel Syndrome Treatment in New York City
If you are experiencing numbness, tingling, or weakness in your hand and suspect ulnar nerve entrapment, early diagnosis is the key to the best possible outcome. Dr. Glashow and his orthopedic team provide same-day and next-day evaluations — including on-site imaging — so you can receive an accurate diagnosis and a personalized treatment plan without delay. Whether your condition responds to conservative care or requires surgical intervention, you will receive the same level of individualized, expert attention that professional athletes rely on. Contact our Upper East Side practice to schedule your consultation — we accept out-of-network insurance benefits and offer after-hours, weekend, and emergency appointments.
Frequently Asked Questions About Cubital Tunnel Syndrome
What causes cubital tunnel syndrome?
Cubital tunnel syndrome develops when the ulnar nerve becomes compressed or stretched as it passes through the cubital tunnel on the inner side of the elbow. Common causes include elbow fractures or dislocations that alter the anatomy of the tunnel, repetitive bending of the elbow during sports or work, prolonged leaning on the elbow, arthritis-related bone spurs, and fluid buildup or inflammation within the joint. In some cases, the nerve may naturally shift out of position during elbow movement, making certain individuals more susceptible to irritation.
How is cubital tunnel syndrome diagnosed?
Dr. Glashow begins with a thorough clinical examination that includes testing sensation, grip strength, and nerve function throughout the hand and forearm. He may reproduce symptoms by tapping along the ulnar nerve or positioning the elbow in flexion to assess nerve irritability. Advanced imaging — including X-rays to rule out bone abnormalities and, when indicated, nerve conduction studies or electromyography (EMG) — helps confirm the diagnosis and determine the severity of nerve compression.
Can cubital tunnel syndrome be treated without surgery?
Yes. Mild to moderate cases often respond well to conservative treatment, which may include activity modification to reduce repetitive elbow bending, nighttime splinting to keep the elbow in a straightened position during sleep, anti-inflammatory medications, and targeted exercises to improve nerve mobility. Dr. Glashow begins with non-surgical approaches whenever appropriate and monitors each patient’s progress closely before considering surgical intervention.
When is surgery recommended for cubital tunnel syndrome?
Surgery is typically considered when conservative treatments have not provided adequate relief after several weeks or months, when nerve compression is severe, or when the patient is experiencing significant weakness or muscle wasting in the hand. Dr. Glashow may recommend a procedure to decompress the nerve by releasing the tissue over the cubital tunnel or, in some cases, transposing the ulnar nerve to a new position where it is less vulnerable to compression. The specific surgical approach depends on the cause and severity of the entrapment.
What does recovery look like after cubital tunnel surgery?
Recovery timelines vary depending on the specific procedure performed. Most patients wear a splint for a short period after surgery and begin gentle range-of-motion exercises within the first few weeks. Grip strength and sensation typically improve gradually over several weeks to months as the nerve heals. Dr. Glashow works closely with physical therapists to guide each patient through a structured rehabilitation program, and most individuals return to full activity within six to twelve weeks.
Will the numbness and tingling go away after treatment?
In many cases, patients experience significant improvement or complete resolution of numbness, tingling, and weakness — particularly when the condition is diagnosed and treated before advanced nerve damage has occurred. Patients with long-standing or severe compression may see a more gradual improvement, and some residual symptoms are possible depending on the extent of nerve involvement. Early evaluation is one of the most important factors in achieving a full recovery, which is why Dr. Glashow encourages patients to seek treatment at the first sign of persistent symptoms.
