Doctor K: Numbness may be from pinched nerve

DEAR DOCTOR K: I’m bothered by numbness and tingling in my little finger and general weakness in my right hand. Could I have carpal tunnel syndrome?

DEAR READER: Based on your description, I’d say you have cubital (not carpal) tunnel syndrome. Another name for this condition is ulnar neuropathy.

Cubital tunnel syndrome, like carpal tunnel syndrome, is a “pinched nerve” problem. The affected nerve is the ulnar nerve. That nerve starts in your neck, enters your arm, and passes through the inner side of your elbow (behind your funny bone) on its way to your hand.

The ulnar nerve passes through a tunnel made of fibers (the cubital tunnel) en route to your hand. If the tunnel gets narrow, it puts pressure on the nerve. This pressure causes numbness, tingling, weakness or pain in your ring finger or little finger. (In contrast, the more common carpal tunnel syndrome affects the thumb, index and middle fingers.) Cubital tunnel syndrome can also cause your hands to become weak and clumsy.

Tasks that require you to extend and flex your elbow repeatedly can irritate and inflame the ulnar nerve. Leaning or resting on your elbow for long periods can also put pressure on the nerve; so can holding a phone to your ear for longer periods each day. Sleeping with bent elbows may also aggravate the problem.

The most effective way to treat cubital tunnel syndrome is to change the actions that may have triggered the problem. For instance, switch to a headset-style phone and remove armrests from your office chair. Avoid leaning on your elbow when seated. Also avoid keeping your elbow flexed more than 90 degrees, or repeatedly bending and straightening your elbow.

Try sleeping on your side with a pillow supporting the entire length of your arm. Try wrapping a towel around your elbow or wearing a splint at night to keep it straight while you sleep. Medications to reduce swelling may help.