An Ulnar Splint Can Help Alleviate and Reverse the Effects of Ulnar Nerve Damage

Like the more well-known carpal tunnel syndrome, ulnar tunnel syndrome, sometimes also referred to as cubital tunnel syndrome, causes tingling and numbness in the hand. As with carpal tunnel syndrome, a brace or splint can be used to help combat the progression of nerve damage and help prevent the symptoms from manifesting, and there are a variety of different ulnar splint models available for these purposes, depending on where the problem is originating from.

Unlike carpal tunnel syndrome, which stems from the wrist, ulnar tunnel syndrome is largely caused by nerves in the elbow, though in rare cases it can also manifest from nerves in the wrist. It’s not always easy to diagnose this disorder, especially as pain symptoms are less common with ulnar tunnel syndrome than they are with carpal tunnel syndrome.

The most common effect of this disorder is the loss of feeling in the pinky and ring fingers, which may also be accompanied by a faint tingling sensation, and these symptoms will get progressively worse over time. As mentioned, sensations of pain may also be felt, though these aren’t common. This disorder also has the effect of limiting the patient’s ability to use those two fingers effectively, such as when trying to type, play a musical instrument, or grip an object.
The main cause of this disorder is the pinching of the ulnar nerve, which runs from the elbow up through the arm and into the hand. The pinching is most commonly caused at the elbow, often as a side effect of sleeping with one’s arms bent, as opposed to straight, or from excessive leaning on the elbow. In rare cases, a cyst or other growth could be causing the pinching of the nerve and the symptoms, and an MRI scan would help reveal whether or not this is the case.
Because the elbow is the leading cause of ulnar tunnel syndrome symptoms, the most common ulnar splint is designed to wrap around the elbow. These are typically used only at night, as they prevent the elbow from being bent, though they may also be worn during the day if the patient wishes.
The other commonly used ulnar splint is called an ulnar nerve splint, which is used when the symptoms are occurring in the wrist area. This splint wraps around the wrist, as well as the two affected fingers, and helps alleviate the symptoms. This splint can also be used to help heal fractures of the pinky and ring fingers.

If you suspect you may be suffering from ulnar tunnel syndrome, it’s highly recommended you consult with your doctor and have tests performed to determine whether that is in fact the case. Catching the ailment early in its development and using preventative measures quickly is the best way to stop the ailment from escalating and growing worse in the future.