Find Top Doctors Who Treat Cubital Tunnel Syndrome By State

Cubital Tunnel Syndrome: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment

Medically reviewed by Sumiran Racherla, MD, Internal Medicine. Last reviewed: October 23, 2026.

What kind of doctor treats Cubital Tunnel Syndrome?

An orthopedic surgeon, a bone and joint doctor, usually treats cubital tunnel syndrome. A neurologist, a doctor who treats nerve problems, may also help with testing. A direct primary care or concierge doctor can be a first stop for an evaluation and can refer you to a specialist when needed.

What is cubital tunnel syndrome?

Cubital tunnel syndrome happens when the ulnar nerve is squeezed at the elbow. The ulnar nerve is one of the three main nerves in your arm.

At the elbow, the nerve runs through a tunnel of tissue called the cubital tunnel. The tunnel runs under a bump of bone on the inside of your elbow.

The ulnar nerve gives feeling to the little finger and half of the ring finger. It also controls most of the small muscles in the hand that help with fine movements.

Symptoms

Cubital tunnel syndrome can cause an aching pain on the inside of the elbow. Most symptoms happen in the hand. Common symptoms include:

• Numbness and tingling in the ring finger and little finger.
• Symptoms that happen more often when the elbow is bent, such as when driving or holding the phone.
• Numb fingers at night, which can wake you up.

In more severe cases, your grip may weaken and your fingers may be harder to coordinate. If the nerve is very compressed or has been compressed for a long time, the hand muscles can shrink. Once muscle wasting happens, it cannot be reversed.

Causes and who gets it

In many cases, the exact cause is not known. The nerve is easily squeezed at the elbow because it passes through a narrow space with very little soft tissue to protect it. Bending the elbow slightly squeezes and stretches the nerve and lowers its blood supply.

Things that can press on the nerve include:

• Keeping the elbow bent for long periods, or bending it again and again.
• Leaning on the elbow for long periods.
• A direct blow to the inside of the elbow.
• A nerve that slides out from behind the bony bump when the elbow bends.

Some things raise your risk. They include:

• A past elbow fracture or dislocation.
• Bone spurs or arthritis of the elbow.
• Swelling of the elbow joint.
• Cysts near the elbow joint.
• Repeated or long activities that need the elbow to stay bent, such as baseball pitching.

How doctors diagnose it

Next, the doctor examines your elbow and hand to find which nerve is squeezed and where. The doctor may also check your neck, because pinched nerves in the neck can cause similar symptoms.

X-rays of the elbow or wrist can look for bone spurs, arthritis, or other places where bone may press on the nerve.

Nerve conduction studies show how well the nerve is working and where it is being squeezed. Electromyography, or EMG, checks the health of the ulnar nerve and the muscles it controls.

Treatment

In most cases, symptoms can be managed with treatments that do not need surgery, such as changes in activities and bracing. Unless the nerve squeezing has caused disability or muscle wasting, doctors will most likely try treatment without surgery first.

At home, you can try these steps:

• Avoid activities that keep your arm bent for long periods.
• Keep your elbow straight at night, for example by wrapping a towel around it or wearing an elbow pad backwards.

Your doctor may also suggest:

• An anti-inflammatory medicine, such as ibuprofen or naproxen, if your symptoms have just started.
• A padded brace or splint worn at night to keep your elbow straight.

Steroid shots are generally not used for cubital tunnel syndrome because they carry a risk of damage to the nerve.

Your doctor may suggest surgery to take pressure off the nerve if:

• Treatment without surgery has not helped.
• The nerve is very compressed.
• The squeezing has caused muscle weakness or damage.

In a cubital tunnel release, the surgeon cuts the ligament roof of the tunnel to make more room and lower the pressure on the nerve. In an ulnar nerve transposition, the nerve is usually moved to a new place in front of the bony bump.

The results of surgery are generally good. If the nerve is very badly compressed or the muscles have shrunk, some symptoms may remain after surgery.

When to see a doctor

See your doctor if your symptoms are severe, or if they are less severe but have lasted more than 6 weeks.

Also contact your provider if you have an arm injury and then develop numbness, tingling, pain, or weakness down your forearm and the ring and little fingers.

How a direct primary care or concierge doctor fits in

A direct primary care doctor charges a flat monthly fee instead of billing insurance, while a concierge doctor usually charges more and often works alongside insurance. A direct primary care doctor can examine your arm, help you plan changes in daily activities, and arrange nerve tests. They can also refer you to a hand or orthopedic surgeon if needed.

Common questions

Can cubital tunnel syndrome be treated without surgery?

Yes, in most cases. Changes in activity and bracing are common first steps.

Why do my fingers feel numb at night?

Numb fingers at night are common because many people sleep with their elbows bent, which can bring on symptoms. Keeping your elbow straight at night may help.

Can muscle wasting from cubital tunnel syndrome be reversed?

No. Once muscle wasting happens, it cannot be reversed. That is why you should see your doctor if symptoms are severe, or less severe but last more than 6 weeks.

Sources

1. OrthoInfo (AAOS) - Ulnar Nerve Entrapment at the Elbow (Cubital Tunnel Syndrome)
2. MedlinePlus - Ulnar nerve dysfunction

Medical Disclaimer

This content is for general educational and informational purposes only and is not medical advice. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment, and reading it does not create a doctor-patient relationship. Always seek the advice of your physician or another qualified health provider with any questions about a medical condition, and never disregard or delay seeking professional advice because of something you read here. If you think you may have a medical emergency, call 911 (or your local emergency number) immediately.