Ulnar Nerve Injury

What is ulnar nerve injury?

An ulnar nerve injury is an injury that damages the ulnar nerve, one of the three main nerves in the arm. The ulnar nerve runs from the shoulder to the hand and is responsible for carrying signals between the hand and the brain, enabling motion and feeling in the hand and forearm. An injury to the ulnar nerve can damage this communication and thus limit motion and feeling in the hand and forearm. If you have ulnar nerve injury, you will most likely experience symptoms in the area of your ring and little fingers.

Ulnar nerve injuries may be the result of pressure, trauma or illness. The most common cause of injury to the ulnar nerve is entrapment, in which the ulnar nerve is compressed. This may result from bone damage, such as an elbow fracture or dislocation, swelling of soft tissue, or external pressure from certain activities or positions. In some cases, ulnar nerve injuries may arise without a known cause.

Treatment of ulnar nerve injury varies greatly depending on the severity and underlying cause. Your heath care provider may recommend nonsurgical and surgical treatments for ulnar nerve injury. In either case, the goal of treatment is to manage or relieve symptoms and correct the underlying cause when possible.

Seek immediate medical care (call 911) ifasudden tingling or abnormal sensation in the area of the ulnar nerve is accompanied by numbness or weakness of the arm or fingers on one side of your body; a change in level of consciousness or alertness, such as passing out or unresponsiveness; or the worst headache of your life, as these can be signs of stroke.

Seek prompt medical care if you are being treated for ulnar nerve injury but mild symptoms recur or are persistent.