Very often people complain of numbness and tingling in some part of the hand the problem normally arises from compression of the nerve which supplies the hand. All the nerves supplying the upper limb originate from the neck and travel down the arm to reach the tips of the fingers. Nerve pain can often be very deceiving and difficult to diagnose. The radiating pain which people often describe, and the burning nature gives a clue to the possibility of nerve compression.

The ulnar nerve at the level of the elbow is a very superficial (close to the skin) which is to say it is very close to the skin surface. Thus, it is very possible for the nerve to be compressed against the bone. Patients complain of weakness in the fingers and tingling and altered sensation along the little finger aspect of the hand. Certain activities such as keeping the elbow bent for long durations as in holding phones to the ears often increases the pain. Sleep can on occasions be disturbed as well.

Clinical examination reveals little finger and their ring finger often being different in their sensations. There is often some amount of curling of the finger, so it resembles a clawing in the hand. Some amount of thinning of the muscles is often visible.

Investigations: X Rays are normally not of much use and the diagnosis depends on getting special nerve test which show that there is a blockage in conduction of nerve impulses across the elbow.

Other Diagnosis: very similar presentation can sometimes be produced by problems in the neck and also in the wrist. These are potential areas where the nerve can be compressed. Clinical examinations are also very helpful in distinguishing the site of compression of the nerve. Occasionally there is a need for MRI scan to be done

Treatment: if the patient has mild symptoms, they are advised avoiding excessive Bending of the elbow and keeping it stretched as for as able. Also patients can be advice to stop resting their elbows on the hard surfaces and keep soft surfaces under the elbow.

If symptoms are not getting better, then surgical option remains which normally would involve taking the pressure away from the nerve. it is a very simple operation which can be done as day care surgery. Generally if the symptoms are severe and no treatment is offered the patients can be left with residuals weakness in the hand which may not recover.