When your cubital tunnel syndrome, a condition where the ulnar nerve gets pinched as it passes through the elbow. Also known as ulnar nerve entrapment, it’s the second most common nerve compression after carpal tunnel — and it’s often mistaken for simple elbow soreness. You might feel tingling in your ring and pinky fingers, especially when you bend your elbow for too long — like holding a phone or resting your arm on a desk. The nerve doesn’t just get irritated; it gets squeezed against the bony bump on the inside of your elbow, and over time, that can lead to real weakness in your hand.
This isn’t just about discomfort. ulnar nerve compression, the root cause of cubital tunnel syndrome can make it hard to grip things, drop objects, or even type without fumbling. It’s common in people who lean on their elbows, sleep with bent arms, or work with their hands in awkward positions — think mechanics, assembly line workers, or even people who use laptops for hours. Unlike carpal tunnel, which affects the wrist, this problem starts at the elbow and radiates down. You won’t see swelling, but you’ll notice that your fingers go numb when you lean back in your chair or hold your phone to your ear.
And here’s the thing: many people wait too long to do anything about it. The good news? Simple changes — like avoiding pressure on the elbow, using a pillow to keep your arm straight at night, or adjusting your workstation — can stop it from getting worse. In more serious cases, physical therapy or even minor surgery can restore function without major downtime. It’s not a life-altering condition, but ignoring it can lead to permanent nerve damage. That’s why knowing the signs matters.
Below, you’ll find real-world advice from people who’ve dealt with this — from how to tell if it’s cubital tunnel and not just a pinched nerve elsewhere, to what treatments actually help and which ones are just myths. You’ll see how diet, posture, and even your sleep position play a role. No fluff. Just what works, what doesn’t, and what you can do today to feel better.
Ulnar neuropathy causes numbness and weakness in the hand due to nerve compression at the elbow or wrist. Learn the symptoms, non-surgical treatments, when surgery is needed, and how to prevent permanent damage.