At Georgia Brain & Spine Center
The ulnar nerve is a nerve that travels down the inner part of the arm, crossing the elbow and the wrist to supply the inner part of the hand. Ulnar neuropathy from entrapment can develop when the ulnar nerve gets compressed near the elbow or the wrist, causing symptoms like pain, tingling, numbness and at times weakness in the hand. To diagnose ulnar nerve neuropathy, we conduct a detailed neurologic exam including a test called an EMG and a nerve conduction study (NCV).
Non-Surgical Treatments for Ulnar Nerve Entrapment Neuropathy
To keep your inflammation and symptoms to a minimum, we start treatment by having you avoid the repetitive activities that could be causing the condition, including avoiding direct pressure on the elbow and wrist areas. We may brace your elbow and wrist to keep them in a neutral position. We often recommend a short course of anti-inflammatory medications along with physical therapy.
Surgery for Ulnar Nerve Entrapment Neuropathy
If non-surgical treatments don’t achieve the results you need, we may recommend surgery to open or release the ulnar nerve where it’s entrapped. During this outpatient surgery, our neurosurgeons use a small incision to free the ulnar nerve from the tissues compressing it.