Entrapment of the ulnar nerve

What is the ulnar nerve?

The ulnar nerve runs down the inside of the elbow. If you knock the inside of the elbow you can get a numbness or buzzing down the forearm into the forth and fifth fingers (hitting your funny bone). It is the ulnar nerve that is being hit when this happens. If the muscles in the forearm become inflammed they can trap the ulnar nerve causing symptoms that can be similar to Golfers elbow.

Symptoms of an entraped ulnar nerve include:

• Pain on the inside of the elbow after long throwing sessions or tennis matches.
• Pain which increases and radiates to the outer two fingers of the hand.

What can you do?

• Rest

What can a doctor do?

• Prescribe anti-inflammatory medication
• Immobilize the arm for a short period.
• Operate.