Ulnar Neuropathy

Ulnar neuropathy is a condition that is called 'handlebar palsy' by many bicyclists. This is a painful condition of the arm and hand due to nerve damage. The pain, tingling and numbness in the arm and hand occurs on the side of the little finger. If you are wondering what is ulnar neuropathy , then find related answers in the following paragraphs.

What is Ulnar Neuropathy?
Inflammation or compression of the ulnar nerve is called ulnar neuropathy. It causes paresthesia in the outer side of the arm and hand, that is, near the little finger. This condition occurs because of the damage to ulnar nerve. This nerve is helps in transmitting senses related to touch, texture and temperature. These senses are transferred to the fourth and fifth digits of the hand, palm and forearm underside. When the ulnar nerve is damaged it results in ulnar neuropathy. Apart from bicycler's neuropathy, it is also known as Guyon's canal syndrome, tardy ulnar palsy and cubital tunnel syndrome.

Causes of Ulnar Neuropathy
It has been observed that the site of damage of the ulnar nerve is usually near the elbow. Ulnar nerve damage is the main cause of ulnar neuropathy. The causes of ulnar neuropathy include inflammation or nerve compression. A hard blow or fracture of the elbow, bone spurs, cysts, etc., result in ulnar neuropathy. When one leans against the elbow for long time, or continuously carries out an activity that makes the elbow bent, it may result in nerve compression. A cyst in Guyon's canal will cause ulnar nerve compression at the wrist.

Those who cycle tend to suffer from ulnar nerve inflammation due to the repeated bounces and shocks while riding. The handlebar transfers the shock to the hand that results in inflammation of the ulnar nerve. In some cases, the ulnar nerve may get compressed under the collarbone or near the neck where it comes out of the spinal cord.

The ulnar nerve tends to pass out of the elbow from the ulnar groove. This groove is the region of humerus that is called the funny bone. When one bumps into something and hurts the ulnar groove, it causes one to experience a sharp electrical pain. This pain is felt from the forearm into the little finger as well as the ring finger. This causes one to grimace in pain. The ulnar neuropathy is a chronic pain similar to the one you experience when bumping your funny bone into something hard. Let us have a look at some of the ulnar neuropathy symptoms.

Ulnar Neuropathy Symptoms
Ulnar neuropathy symptoms include aching pain on the inner side of the elbow. One feels their ring and little finger tends to 'fall asleep' that is, experience numbness. One feels pins and needles in the hands as well as weakness. Other symptoms include numbness, tingling and burning sensation. When the nerve compression occurs for a long time, it causes muscle wasting in the hand. This condition is irreversible and therefore one should seek immediate ulnar neuropathy treatment when one experiences the initial symptoms.

How to Cure Ulnar Neuropathy
The next question that comes to ones mind is how to cure ulnar neuropathy. First and foremost, you need to identify the causes of ulnar neuropathy. This will help you adjust your position and find ways to relieve the pressure off the nerves. Do not place your elbows leaning over hard surfaces. Avoid extending your arms for long periods of time. You should reposition your handlebars to prevent ulnar nerve neuropathy. A splint will be useful to cure ulnar neuropathy. This splint should be worn on the elbow at night and wear an elbow pad during the day to reduce the pressure on the nerve. This will also help you extend your arms and prevent you from bending the elbow at night. Ulnar nerve treatment includes use of anti-inflammatory drugs and therapeutic exercises. Anti-inflammatory medications will help reduce the swelling around the nerves.

Ulnar Neuropathy Exercises
There are different ulnar neuropathy exercises that will help in reducing the tingling, pain and numbness of the nerves. These ulnar neuropathy exercises include neck rotation. You need to sit in a chair and keep the neck, shoulders and trunk in a straight position. Then, gently turn your head to the right towards the point of pain. Then, bring it back to the original forward position. Relax and repeat the same step on your left. Do this exercise about 10 times. You can even try bending you wrist forward and then backwards as far as you can. You need to carry out three sets of the wrist exercise about 10 times. There are many other ulnar nerve neuropathy exercises that you can try to relieve the pressure on your ulnar nerve.

This was some information related to ulnar nerve neuropathy. Speak to your doctor if you experience pain or injury of the elbow. This will help avoid complications like muscle wasting that arise due to ulnar neuropathy.