Ulnar nerve entrapment (cubital tunnel): will it go away on its own?

What is ulnar nerve entrapment?

The ulnar nerve runs down the arm and passes behind the bony bump on the inside of the elbow, the spot often called the funny bone. Here it travels through a narrow channel known as the cubital tunnel. When the nerve is squeezed or stretched in this tunnel, the condition is called cubital tunnel syndrome, the most common form of ulnar nerve entrapment.

Bending the elbow stretches the nerve and narrows the tunnel, so anything that keeps the elbow bent for long periods, or puts pressure directly on it, tends to make symptoms worse. Less often the ulnar nerve is trapped at the wrist instead.

Typical symptoms

Symptoms usually build gradually and are often worse at night or after holding a phone, driving with an elbow on the window ledge, or working at a desk with elbows resting on the edge.

Tingling in the little and ring fingers is not always from the elbow. A trapped nerve in the neck, or pressure on the ulnar nerve at the wrist, can feel similar, which is one reason testing can be useful when symptoms persist.

Can cubital tunnel syndrome go away?

For many people with mild, intermittent symptoms, yes. Once the habits that compress or stretch the nerve are changed, the irritation often settles over weeks to a few months. Symptoms caused by a short spell of unusual activity, or by leaning on the elbow, are particularly likely to improve.

Cubital tunnel syndrome is less likely to go away by itself when numbness becomes constant, when weakness appears, or when symptoms have been present for many months. At that stage the nerve fibres themselves may be affected, and leaving it too long risks weakness that does not fully recover even if the pressure is later relieved.

Sleeping with bent elbows, and night splinting

Many people sleep with their arms tightly bent or tucked under the pillow, which keeps the ulnar nerve stretched for hours. Waking with tingling in the little and ring fingers is a common sign of this.

Keeping the elbow straighter at night is one of the simplest measures. Some people wrap a towel loosely around the elbow so it cannot bend fully; others use a soft elbow splint or padded brace worn at night. Your GP, physiotherapist or consultant can advise on what is suitable.

When weakness means do not wait

Weakness is the main warning sign. If you notice your grip getting weaker, difficulty spreading or crossing your fingers, the little finger drifting away from the others, or a hollow appearing between the thumb and index finger on the back of the hand, the nerve is under significant pressure. These signs suggest it is time to get assessed rather than wait and see.

A nerve conduction study confirms whether the ulnar nerve is being slowed at the elbow, rules out other sites such as the wrist or a trapped nerve in the neck, and shows how severe the problem is. EMG can show whether the hand muscles have been affected. This information helps your GP or specialist plan the next step.

Getting a test, and when to get urgent help

NHS waits for nerve conduction studies can often be months. At Bridge House Clinic in Rossett, near Chester and Wrexham, you can book directly, without a GP referral, and have a consultation and the test with Dr Arvin Rodrigues in one visit.

This article is general information and not a diagnosis. If weakness is getting worse, see your GP or call NHS 111. Call 999 for sudden weakness or numbness in the face, arm or leg, or difficulty speaking, which may be signs of a stroke.

Common questions