Ulnar nerve irritation - Carpal Tunnel Syndrome Message Board

Nissenson · 10-23-2005, 05:19 PM

So, as it turns out, my orthopedist says I have an irriated ulnar nerve and he has given me an elbow pad to wear 24-7. He said the elbow might be the problem or it could even be my neck. My question is, how do they determine where the nerve is being compressed and does the treatment differ, if the problem is in my neck or back?

CDauthier · 10-23-2005, 11:56 PM

Nissesson,

The EMG and NCS should be able to pinpoint where the ulnar nerve compression is coming from. They start at your neck and go down to your wrist with the tests. Good luck with your elbow pad...it irritated my elbow even worse. Have to sign off...having both cubital and carpal surgeries on left arm and hand in the am. Will be good gennie pig....I'll let you know how it goes!

Cathy

Nissenson · 10-27-2005, 10:07 AM

Has anyone found either heat or cold useful in treating this condition? I am wearing the elbow pad, which seems to make my fingers feel a little better, but my arm a little worse.

calista307 · 10-29-2005, 02:09 PM

I found the ice/cold to be the best. When I had physical therapy - the warm sand maching made me swell and feel like I was going to blow up. My chiro actually came up with the best solution. Both of my arms were affected due to an auto accident. He would have me take my middle finger and touch my thumb while keeping the other three fingers pointing straight out.....wrist then in down position and he would tape around my wrist - 2 -3 rounds fairly firm. Somehow it must support the ulnar nerve - as it gave me the most comfort of all. I would have them taped all the time - other than people thinking you tried to slit your wrists and failed.....it really helped. Still, the cold treatments did the best. Sorry to report, but in my case it was a year and a half before I was better.

curiousforever · 11-12-2005, 12:52 PM

ice/heat did nothing.

be aware of how you sleep though. that can irritate carpal tunnel and ulnar nerve problems. curling your wrist and/or arm up is bad. I still have to pay attention to that years after "retraining" myself to not sleep like that.