Possible trapped nerve in elbow

[longtompot]

As the title says, I have a possible trapped nerve in my elbow (non dominant arm) causing weakness in my arm, aching in my forearm, constant tingling in my little and ring fingers, which can become numb and then get pins and needles. I feel as if I have lost some fine motor skills when picking things up or trying to do things ie cook, or my hobby (not cycling ;) )
I have been referred for a nerve function test, and just wondered if anyone else had had one. I see there can be a test with a fine needle into the muscle alongside the stick on pads one.
If anyone has had the same, can you let me know what your treatment was, if any, and what your prognosis has been, either better or nothing can be done. Thank you.

[AlwaysaLittleBitTired]

Hi there. I have some nerve damage near the elbow (ulna nerve), and as a result of similar symptoms to yours alongside neck and shoulder pain, I had a nerve conduction study and MRI scan a few years ago.
The procedure was fine actually, not particularly uncomfortable, just very odd as the electrical currents they send through make your arm and fingers twitch.
I am now 6 years in, after countless sessions with physions, chiropractors, sports masseurs, and more recently an osteopath. My osteo has diagnosed thoracic outlet syndrome, which can cause all of the same symptoms but is actually compression of the nerve as it comes out of the neck, and under the collarbone.
It may be that they can release your nerve through surgery, but for me that wasn't an option. Conservative therapies give me temporary relief, but I feel a bit stuck if I'm honest. I can't see that anything is helping me long term. I should add that the consultant recommended pilates, to help with posture as I sit at a desk all day, and I have been doing that for 3 years now.

I wish you luck, and sorry to be the tale of woe. I am hoping your issues are more easily resolved

[longtompot]

No, thank you @AlwaysaLittleBitTired for telling me about your experience with it. I'd rather not just have got better after a steroid injection stories, though if someone has had that happen, I would like to know. I have two daughters with chronic conditions, both have been told you will get better, but both 10 years in and worse, so false hope is not wanted.
Interesting it could stem from my neck, as the gp didn't look at that at all. She just felt my elbow, where it is sore to the touch on the inside.

[EKGEMS]

I had lunar nerve entrapment on my left arm about ten years ago-symptoms were numbness in my left pinky and ring fingers and half my palm. Had symptoms for about three weeks before going to a doctor-put me in a splint which didn't help sent me to a neurologist for nerve testing then an orthopedic surgeon. Surgeon said is usually caused by trauma of some sort but I had no memory of trauma I could point to. Had surgery under general anesthesia woke up in a cast and sling and doctor said my nerve was so trapped against my bone it had worn a groove into it and they touched it and it sprang out and stitched me back up. My scar is gone and no issues since.

[EKGEMS]

Ulnar not lunar autocorrect!

[longtompot]

Oh wow! @EKGEMS I am hoping it won't need surgery. I have had it years, but the past 6 months or so its got worse, as in getting the way more. I actually went to the gp as I was worried it might have been carpal tunnel, but she said the wrong fingers were affected.

[EKGEMS]

I hope you won't need surgery either. Thankfully mine went as planned and I haven't had any repeat of the numbness

[Chocolatecake12]

I’ve got this! Interesting to read your thread - I’ve diagnosed myself with cubital tunnel syndrome via dr google but will visit my gp next week to see if he agrees. Mine is in my dominant arm.
I hope you don’t have to wait too long for your nerve tests longtompot

[AlwaysaLittleBitTired]

@longtompot I hope they get you sorted. Please let us know how you get on.

I too have painful response to touching the inside of my elbow. It's all a bit of a mystery really, and I am thinking of going back to the GP for another referral to see what the consultant suggests now. It has been almost 4 years since my investigations, and as they said at the time we now have a benchmark to check for any worsening symptoms.

Good luck.

[longtompot]

@AlwaysaLittleBitTired I had my nerve function test today, and it went well. There is a reduced signal, but nothing major. I apparently have nice high numbers (over 70) preens She thinks its something that will heal, I just need to not rest on my elbow or sleep with it bent, so I will get a splint for at night.
If, however, its the same or worse in 3-6 months, then to go back to my gp. She said because I still have feeling, despite the tingling, its a good thing. If my fingers were numb, then its a bit more serious and would need more treatment.