Ulnar Neuropathy Health Article

Treatment

Treatment can consist of the use of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs to control swelling around the nerve. The use of splints or cushions can ease the discomfort and the stress on the ulnar nerve. For some, surgery is a useful option, when relief can be gained by removal of a cyst or correction of damage caused by a blow.

Recovery and rehabilitation

Sports and other normal activity can be resumed when the person is able to perform normal hand-gripping tasks such as opening a jar, forcefully grip a tennis racquet or bicycle handlebars, or work at a keyboard without pain or tingling in the elbow or hand. Braces and other orthotic devices, if worn consistently, often prevent reoccurrence of ulnar neuropathy.

Prognosis

If nerve damage has been caused by a blow or by trauma such as putting too much pressure on the elbow or wrist, recovery can be complete.

PERIODICALS

Hochman, M. G., and J. L. Zilberfarb. "Nerves in a pinch: imaging of nerve compression syndromes." Radiology Clinics of North America (January 2004): 221–245.

Kern, R. Z. "The electrodiagnosis of ulnar nerve entrapment at the elbow." Canadian Journal of Neurological Science (November 2003): 314–319.

OTHER

"Ulnar Neuropathy." emedicine.com. <http://www.emedicine.com/neuro/topic387.htm> (May 5, 2004).

ORGANIZATIONS

National Institute for Neurological Diseases and Stroke. P.O. Box 5801, Bethesda, MD 20824. (301) 496-5751 or (800) 352-9424. <http://www.ninds/nih.gov>.

National Chronic Pain Outreach Organization (NCPOA). P.O. Box 274, Millboro, VA 24460. (540) 862-9437; Fax: (540) 862-9485. ncpoa@cfw.org. <http://www.chronicpain.org>.

National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases (NIAMS). 31 Centre Dr., Rm. 4Co 2 MSC 2350, Bethesda, MD 20892-2350. (301) 496-8190 or (877) 226-4267. info@mail.nih.gov. <http://www.niams.nih.gov>.

American Chronic Pain Association (ACPA). P.O. Box 850, Rocklin, CA 95677-0850. (916) 632-0922 or (800) 533-3231; Fax: (916) 632-3208. ACPA@pacbell.net. <http://www.theacpa.org>.

Brian Douglas Hoyle, PhD