What is Ulnar Nerve Entrapment of the Wrist?

The ulnar nerve is one of the three major nerves in the arm. The ulnar nerve is responsible for the sensations felt by the hand and forearm. The nerve runs from the hand under the ring finger, to the little finger and across the palm of the hand. Ulnar nerve entrapment of the wrist is caused when the normal space of the nerve is disturbed, pinching the nerve.

Symptoms

The symptoms of ulnar nerve entrapment of the wrist include numbness and tingling. It can be felt in the ring finger and the little finger. The symptoms often appear and disappear depending on the patient’s activities. The symptoms appear more often when the elbow is bent, for example during activities such as driving a car or talking on the phone. The symptoms may also appear at night and cause the patient to wake from sleep because their fingers are numb. If the compression of the nerve is more severe, muscle wasting in the hand can occur. One muscle wasting starts, it can not be reversed. To prevent this from happening, one must see a doctor if experiencing any of the mentioned symptoms.

Diagnosis

A physician can properly diagnosis the condition of ulnar nerve entrapment. A physic an will determine whether the symptoms are primary or secondary. If the symptoms are primary, it is a stand-alone condition. If the symptoms are considered to be secondary, the condition of the ulnar nerve entrapment arised from a disease like diabetes. When a physician is diagnosing a patient, the exam will include:

• A comprehensive clinical exam. The patient will have to perform specific task with their hands to determine if the ulnar nerve entrapment is a possible diagnosis for their pain.
• Complete medical history. The doctor will need a complete list of the patients medical history sometimes including a family history.
• Electrogiagnostic study (EMG). This is performed so that the physician can study the conduction within the hands and the wrist.

Treatment

Depending on the diagnosis and severity of the ulnar nerve entrapment of the elbow, the physician may recommend on of the following treatments:

• Occupational therapy. This type of therapy is used to strengthen the ligaments and tendons in the hands, elbows, and wrist.
• Medication. The physician may prescribe the daily use of a a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug to help reduce pain and inflammation. Most of the time these drugs are available over-the-counter drugs such as aspirin, ibuprofen, and other nonprescription pain relievers.
• Elbow splint. Wearing a splint will help to immobilize the elbow reducing inflammation and pain.

References

Mendelson and Kornblum Orthopedic and Spine Surgeons: Ulnar Nerve Entrapment - https://www.mendelsonortho.com/body/ulnarnerver.html

National Hand Specialists: Ulnar Nerve Entrapment at the Wrist - https://www.nationalhandspecialists.com/injuries/nerve/une_wrist.html