Hello for the last 9-11 months I have been suffering from in both of my elbows/forearms and an underlying tingling that becomes especially apparent after a short period of typing or playing the piano. After visiting a sports medicine specialist i was diagnosed with cubital tunnel syndrome.

I am a music composer/recording engineer professionally and this condition has made it very difficult to work to the best of my ablities.

I have tried conservative measures such as soft night splints, anti-inflammatories, chiropractor/massage therapy, etc.

I am quite tall and have a large wingspan and have been diagnosed with hypermobility (in my elbow joints) before so i am thinking this may be what is causing the impact on the ulnar nerve.

I have seen a sports medicine specialist & two hand specialists about this and taken two nerve conductions tests. The tests show i am slightly below normal but i dont have any signs of major problems yet. However one of the specialist and I think that this is because I am a young man in excellent shape otherwise...

I am getting conflicted messages from both hand specialists. One of them after the nerve conduction and further diagnosis recommended a subcutaneous transposition to move the nerve out of my elbows way. I was due for surgery but postponed to get a second opinion.

Other specialist has not done a nerve conduction test of her own yet and says that before we proceed with surgey we have to diagnose further. This specialist says submuscular is the only way to go because the subcutaneous may pop out of place and get in harms way again. In the meantime she recommended i try b6 vitamins and acupuncture.

Who do i believe? I need help as my career is on the line thanks to this problem. I dont want to ruin my arm with surgery but i cant "just deal with it" either.

P.S. I am also trying the Flextend exercise program for my problem. I've only been at it a week and they say it takes a month to see results or money back. Anybody had any success? The doc said it couldn't damage me but hadn't heard of it.

Please Help!

Anyone have any suggestions, opinions, anything?

This is a difficult problem, especially if related to your repetitive activities. You don't mention any muscle weakness but if that occurs some sort of surgical release is often necessary. If the symptoms are just sensory and especially if they are intermittent, you can use a more conservative approach. Your main effort must be directed at changing the way in which you are using your arms during any and all repetetive activities. Never!! lean on your elbows. Regular hand use with elbows bent stresses the ulnar nerve. Try to figure out ways to modify the positions you use to type, play piano, etc.. Easier said than done, I know, but essential. You might try elbow pads, not so much as a remedy but as a reminder to reduce flexed positions. Finally, there are a few neurologists and physiatrists around who have an interest in the special peripheral nerve problems musicians run into. Ask your docs if they know anyone of that ilk. Good Luck!!