From the Research
Cubital tunnel syndrome treatment should begin with conservative measures, and if these fail, surgical options such as in situ decompression, ulnar nerve transposition, or medial epicondylectomy may be considered, as recommended by the most recent and highest quality study 1.
Conservative Treatment
Conservative measures for cubital tunnel syndrome include:
- Avoiding elbow flexion
- Using an elbow splint at night
- Taking anti-inflammatory medications like ibuprofen (400-800mg three times daily) or naproxen (500mg twice daily) for pain relief
- Physical therapy exercises focusing on nerve gliding and strengthening the surrounding muscles
- Ergonomic modifications, including avoiding leaning on the elbow, using ergonomic workstations, and taking breaks from activities that aggravate symptoms
Surgical Treatment
If conservative treatments fail after 3-6 months or if there is muscle weakness or severe symptoms, surgical options may be considered, including:
- Cubital tunnel release
- Ulnar nerve transposition
- Medial epicondylectomy These treatments address the underlying compression of the ulnar nerve at the elbow, which causes the numbness, tingling, and weakness in the ring and little fingers characteristic of this condition, as noted in 2 and 1.
Importance of Early Treatment
Early treatment is important to prevent permanent nerve damage and muscle atrophy, as highlighted in 3 and 4.
Recommendation
Based on the most recent and highest quality study 1, conservative treatment should be the first line of treatment, and surgical options should be considered if conservative treatment fails or if there are severe symptoms.