Patrick J. McDaid, M.D.

Cubital tunnel syndrome happens when the ulnar nerve, which passes through the cubital tunnel (a tunnel of muscle, ligament, and bone) on the inside of the elbow becomes inflamed, swollen, and irritated. The ulnar nerve travels right next to the bone at the elbow, and there is very little cushion between the bone and the nerve. This closeness puts extra pressure right on the nerve. The result is a pins-and-needles sensation, numbness or tingling. Depending on how the nerve is