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What is Ulnar Nerve Damage?

J. Beam
J. Beam

Ulnar nerve damage is damage to or dysfunction of the ulnar nerve, the long nerve in the arm that extends from the shoulder to the wrist. The ulnar nerve is susceptible to damage because it is close to the body’s surface, running along the exterior of the arm across the elbow. The ulnar nerve signals movement and sensation in the hand, supplying the fourth and fifth fingers.

To better understand the impact that the ulnar nerve can have on the entire arm, consider what happens when you hit your elbow on a hard surface. The funny bone, as it is sometimes called, is the place on your elbow where the ulnar nerve crosses and direct impact causes the arm to momentarily tingle painfully. When this happens, it is only mild acute trauma to the ulnar nerve, but serious impact or abuse can cause similar, yet chronic symptoms.

The elbow joint. The ulnar nerve is exposed just above the elbow.
The elbow joint. The ulnar nerve is exposed just above the elbow.

Damage to a single nerve or nerve group, such as the ulnar nerve, is referred to as mononeuropathy. Ulnar nerve damage can be the result of direct injury to the nerve or compression of the nerve caused by swelling, inflammation, or long-term pressure. The nerve damage may be immediate if there is trauma or injury such as a fracture or dislocation of the elbow, but often happens over time due to compression.

Some symptoms of ulnar never damage are pain, swelling and inflammation.
Some symptoms of ulnar never damage are pain, swelling and inflammation.

Symptoms of ulnar nerve damage or dysfunction include pain in the arm, especially the shoulder, tingling or numbness of the fourth and fifth finger, and weakness or loss of coordination in the hand. In some cases, ulnar nerve dysfunction occurs simultaneously with carpal tunnel syndrome and in cases of severe nerve damage the hand may appear deformed or claw-like.

Ulnar nerve damage can impact areas of the body running from the shoulder to the wrist.
Ulnar nerve damage can impact areas of the body running from the shoulder to the wrist.

Ulnar nerve damage is typically diagnosed by physical examination and review of symptoms as well as electromyography (EMG) and imaging tests. In mild to moderate cases, anti-inflammatory drug therapy, corticosteroid injections, and night splinting may relieve all symptoms. If symptoms do not improve or worsen, surgery to relieve pressure on the nerve may be required. Ulnar nerve transposition or anterior transposition of the ulnar nerve is an outpatient surgical procedure that repositions the nerve to relieve pressure and prevent permanent ulnar nerve damage.

Pain in the shoulder is common for someone with ulnar nerve damage.
Pain in the shoulder is common for someone with ulnar nerve damage.

Suspected damage or dysfunction of the ulnar nerve should be examined by an orthopedic doctor specializing in hand surgery. If the damage or injury is mild or moderate, the problem is likely to improve with non-surgical treatment. If left untreated, permanent nerve damage can occur, which could lead to permanent mobility and coordination problems.

Discussion Comments

anon243824

I just accidentally hit my elbow really hard with my chair while I was studying. My fingers feel funny and I can feel the 'numbness'(I don't know what that called). It has been five minutes but I am still experiencing that weird feeling. But I can still type. Shall I go to see a doctor in case permanent damage occurred?

anon163018

i have a question that needs to be answered asap. what makes the ulnar nerve run from the shoulder to your hand?

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    • The elbow joint. The ulnar nerve is exposed just above the elbow.
      By: Alila
      The elbow joint. The ulnar nerve is exposed just above the elbow.
    • Some symptoms of ulnar never damage are pain, swelling and inflammation.
      By: JPC-PROD
      Some symptoms of ulnar never damage are pain, swelling and inflammation.
    • Ulnar nerve damage can impact areas of the body running from the shoulder to the wrist.
      By: waxart
      Ulnar nerve damage can impact areas of the body running from the shoulder to the wrist.
    • Pain in the shoulder is common for someone with ulnar nerve damage.
      By: Photographee.eu
      Pain in the shoulder is common for someone with ulnar nerve damage.
    • Ulnar nerve damage should be treated by a doctor.
      By: javiindy
      Ulnar nerve damage should be treated by a doctor.
    • Ulnar nerve damage may occur as a result of an injury.
      By: Lovrencg
      Ulnar nerve damage may occur as a result of an injury.
    • Patients suffering from ulnar nerve damage may find relief in physical therapy.
      By: WavebreakmediaMicro
      Patients suffering from ulnar nerve damage may find relief in physical therapy.
    • Symptoms of ulnar nerve damage may include tingling in the fourth and fifth finger.
      By: Dmitry
      Symptoms of ulnar nerve damage may include tingling in the fourth and fifth finger.