Cubital Tunnel Syndrome Treatments
How do you treat cubital tunnel syndrome?
Sometimes Cubital tunnel syndrome will improve spontaneously. But most of the time will require some treatments. Initially the non-operative methods include:
- Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medication.
- Splinting, particularly at night time to avoid elbow flexion which tightens the canal.
If this all fails, or in severe cases surgery is recommended. This involves a release of the “tunnel”, where the “roof” is opened up. This is a small day procedure with an incision on the inside of the elbow. The risks are very small and postoperatively you have most of the use of your hand and elbow immediately, with full use of the arm at 2-4 weeks. Sometimes once the nerve is released it becomes unstable, in these instances the nerve is moved out of its gutter. This does not change your recovery.
