FEATURED VIDEO
FEATURED VIDEO
INTRODUCING THE JURA BLACK WRIST THUMB BRACE
June 15, 2021 6 min read
Answer a fun quick question about nerve compressions around the elbow, learn more about what defines this particular nerve compression and find some helpful tips on the best hand therapy treatment.
Which are potential sites of ulnar nerve compression at the elbow?
Answer: d) All of the above
Anatomy:
The Ulnar nerve sensory supply is only to the hand.
Clinical signs and symptoms
Possible risk factors:
Clinical tests:
In all of these, a positive test reproduces the tingling / paraesthesia in the ulnar nerve distribution in the hand
Motor deficits
The goal of hand therapy for these clients is to eliminate or decrease the frequency of symptoms and to prevent further progression of the disease. 90% recover with conservative regimens in mild or moderate disease (Eisen and Danon 1974). 88% of patients with mild or moderate symptoms were treated successfully with rigid night splinting and activity modification (Shah et al 2013).
The client should be educated regarding self-management and activity modification, avoiding resting on the elbows, or doing sustained or repetitive elbow flexion activities.
3. In-hand manipulation activities. For those clients who have motor symptoms but function is returning, in-hand manipulation activities are a fabulous way to condition and strengthen those tiny intrinsic ulnar nerve innervated muscles. Try moving items from fingertips-to-palm and palm-to-fingertips, use tongs and tweezers to pick up small items, roll two ming balls in your hand, retrieve small items from therapy putty, etc.
My professional favourite for cubital tunnel is: The Cubital Tunnel Splint
We have an excellent range of elbow supports that may be suitable for your clients after cast removal.
This blog is a discussion format. We have listed our views above but would love to know what you think, what your comments are or how you best treat Cubital Tunnel Syndrome in your practice. Feel free to email us at info@therapyproductsaustralia.com
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