The distribution of the sensation you describe indicates involvement of the ulnar never.

This nerve
controls the little finger, partly innervates the ring finger, and runs up the arm.

A pins and needles sensation is medically called parensthesia. It can result from a trapped (pinched)
nerve or from nerve damage. The ulnar distribution could be pinched at the elbow or in the shoulder
region.

If symptoms are persistent and troublesome you may wish to see a doctor. A referral to a neurologist may
be warranted based upon an overall evaluation of your condition.

Ulnar Nerve Entrapment at the Elbow (Cubital Tunnel
Syndrome)
Ulnar nerve entrapment occurs when the ulnar nerve in the arm becomes compressed or irritated. The ulnar nerve is
one of the three main nerves in your arm. It travels from your neck down into your hand, and can be constricted in
several places along the way. Depending upon where it occurs, this pressure on the nerve can cause numbness or
pain in your elbow, hand, wrist, or fingers.
Sometimes the ulnar nerve gets compressed at the wrist, beneath the collarbone, or as it comes out of the spinal
cord in the neck. The most common place where the nerve gets compressed is behind the elbow.
When the nerve compression occurs at the elbow, it is called "cubital tunnel syndrome."
Anatomy
At the elbow, the ulnar nerve travels through a tunnel of tissue (the cubital tunnel) that runs under a bump of bone at
the inside of your elbow. This bony bump is called the medial epicondyle. The spot where the nerve runs under the
medial epicondyle is commonly referred to as the "funny bone." At the funny bone the nerve is close to your skin, and
bumping it causes a shock-like feeling.

This illustration of the bones in the shoulder, arm, and hand shows the path of the ulnar nerve.
Reproduced from Mundanthanam GJ, Anderson RB, Day C: Ulnar nerve palsy. Orthopaedic Knowledge Online 2009. Accessed August
2011.
Beyond the elbow, the ulnar nerve travels under muscles on the inside of your forearm and into your hand on the side
of the palm with the little finger. As the nerve enters the hand, it travels through another tunnel (Guyon's canal).
The ulnar nerve gives feeling to the little finger and half of the ring finger. It also controls most of the little muscles i n
the hand that help with fine movements, and some of the bigger muscles in the forearm that help you make a strong
grip.

The ulnar nerve gives sensation to the little finger and to half of the ring finger on both the palm and back side of the hand.
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Cause
In many cases of cubital tunnel syndrome, the exact cause is not known. The nerve is especially vulnerable to
compression at the elbow because it must travel through a narrow space with very little soft tissue to protect it.

The ulnar nerve runs behind the elbow on the inside of the arm.
Common Causes of Compression
There are several things that can cause pressure on the nerve at the elbow:
When your bend your elbow, the ulnar nerve stretches around the boney ridge of the medial epicondyle. Because this
can irritate the nerve, keeping your elbow bent for long periods or repeatedly bending your elbow can cause painful
symptoms. For example, many people sleep with their elbows bent. This can aggravate symptoms of ulnar nerve
compression and cause you to wake up at night with your fingers asleep.
In some people, the nerve slides out from behind the medial epicondyle when the elbow is bent. Over
time, this sliding back and forth may irritate the nerve.
Leaning on your elbow for long periods of time can put pressure on the nerve.
Fluid buildup in the elbow can cause swelling that may compress the nerve.
A direct blow to the inside of the elbow can cause pain, electric shock sensation, and numbness in the
little and ring fingers. This is commonly called "hitting your funny bone."

Sleeping with your elbow bent can aggravate symptoms.
Risk Factors
Some factors put you more at risk for developing cubital tunnel syndrome. These include:
Prior fracture or dislocations of the elbow
Bone spurs/ arthritis of the elbow
Swelling of the elbow joint
Cysts near the elbow joint
Repetitive or prolonged activities that require the elbow to be bent or flexed
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Symptoms
Cubital tunnel syndrome can cause an aching pain on the inside of the elbow. Most of the symptoms, however, occur
in your hand.
Ulnar nerve entrapment can give symptoms of "falling asleep" in the ring finger and little finger, especially
when your elbow is bent. In some cases, it may be harder to move your fingers in and out, or to manipulate
objects.
Numbness and tingling in the ring finger and little finger are common symptoms of ulnar nerve entrapment.
Often, these symptoms come and go. They happen more often when the elbow is bent, such as when
driving or holding the phone. Some people wake up at night because their fingers are numb.
Weakening of the grip and difficulty with finger coordination (such as typing or playing an instrument) may
occur. These symptoms are usually seen in more severe cases of nerve compression.
If the nerve is very compressed or has been compressed for a long time, muscle wasting in the hand can
occur. Once this happens, muscle wasting cannot be reversed. For this reason, it is important to see your
doctor if symptoms are severe or if they are less severe but have been present for more than 6 weeks.
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Home Remedies
There are many things you can do at home to help relieve symptoms. If your symptoms interfere with normal
activities or last more than a few weeks, be sure to schedule an appointment with your doctor.
Avoid activities that require you to keep your arm bent for long periods of time.
If you use a computer frequently, make sure that your chair is not too low. Do not rest your elbow on the
armrest.
Avoid leaning on your elbow or putting pressure on the inside of your arm. For example, do not drive with
your arm resting on the open window.
Keep your elbow straight at night when you are sleeping. This can be done by wrapping a towel around your
straight elbow or wearing an elbow pad backwards.

Loosely wrapping a towel around your arm with tape can help you remember not to bend your elbow during the night.
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Doctor Examination
Medical History and Physical Examination
After discussing your symptoms and medical history, your doctor will examine your arm and hand to determine which
nerve is compressed and where it is compressed. Some of the physical examination tests your doctor may do
include:
Tap over the nerve at the funny bone. If the nerve is irritated, this can cause a shock into the little finger
and ring finger although this can happen when the nerve is normal as well.
Check whether the ulnar nerve slides out of normal position when you bend your elbow.
Move your neck, shoulder, elbow, and wrist to see if different positions cause symptoms.
Check for feeling and strength in your hand and fingers.
Tests
X-rays. These imaging tests provide detailed pictures of dense structures, like bone. Most causes of compression of
the ulnar nerve cannot be seen on an x-ray. However, your doctor may take x-rays of your elbow or wrist to look for
bone spurs, arthritis, or other places that the bone may be compressing the nerve.
Nerve conduction studies. These tests can determine how well the nerve is working and help identify where it is
being compressed.
Nerves are like "electrical cables" that travel through your body carrying messages between your brain and muscles.
When a nerve is not working well, it takes too long for it to conduct.
During a nerve conduction test, the nerve is stimulated in one place and the time it takes for there to be a response is
measured. Several places along the nerve will be tested and the area where the response takes too long is likely to
be the place where the nerve is compressed.
Nerve conduction studies can also determine whether the compression is also causing muscle damage. During the
test, small needles are put into some of the muscles that the ulnar nerve controls. Muscle involvement is a sign of
more severe nerve compression.
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Treatment
Unless your nerve compression has caused a lot of muscle wasting, your doctor will most likely first recommend
nonsurgical treatment.
Nonsurgical Treatment
Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medicines. If your symptoms have just started, your doctor may recommend an
anti-inflammatory medicine, such as ibuprofen, to help reduce swelling around the nerve.
Steroid injections. Steroids, like cortisone, are very effective anti-inflammatory medicines. Injecting steroids around
the ulnar nerve is generally not used because there is a risk of damage to the nerve.
Bracing or splinting. Your doctor may prescribe a padded brace or split to wear at night to keep your elbow in a
straight position.
Nerve gliding exercises. Some doctors think that exercises to help the ulnar nerve slide through the cubital tunnel at
the elbow and the Guyon's canal at the wrist can improve symptoms. These exercises may also help keep the arm
and wrist from getting stiff.

Examples of nerve gliding exercises. With your arm in front of you and the elbow straight, curl your wrist and fingers toward
your body, then extend them away from you, and then bend your elbow.
Surgical Treatment
Your doctor may recommend surgery to take pressure off of the nerve if:
Nonsurgical methods have not improved your condition
The ulnar nerve is very compressed
Nerve compression has caused muscle wasting
There are a few surgical procedures that will relieve pressure on the ulnar nerve at the elbow. Your orthpaedic
surgeon will talk with you about the option that would be best for you.
These procedures are most often done on an outpatient basis, but some patients do best with an overnight stay at
the hospital.
Cubital tunnel release. In this operation, the ligament "roof" of the cubital tunnel is cut and divided. This increases
the size of the tunnel and decreases pressure on the nerve.
After the procedure, the ligament begins to heal and new tissue grows across the division. The new growth heals the
ligament, and allows more space for the ulnar nerve to slide through.
Cubital tunnel release tends to work best when the nerve compression is mild and the nerve does not slide out from
behind the bony ridge of the medial epicondyle when the elbow is bent.
Ulnar nerve anterior transposition. More commonly, the nerve is moved from its place behind the medial
epicondyle to a new place in front of it. This is called an anterior transposition of the ulnar nerve. The nerve can be
moved to lie under the skin and fat but on top of the muscle (subcutaneous transposition), within the muscle
(intermuscular transposition) or under the muscle (submuscular transposition).
Moving the nerve to the front of the medial epicondyle prevents it from getting caught on the bony ridge and
stretching when you bend your elbow.

For anterior transposition of the ulnar nerve, an incision is made along the inside of the elbow.
Medial epicondylectomy. Another option to release the nerve is to remove part of the medial epicondyle. Like ulnar
nerve transposition, this technique also prevents the nerve from getting caught on the boney ridge and stretching
when your elbow is bent.
Surgical Recovery
Depending on the type of surgery you have, you may need to wear a splint for a few weeks after the operation. A
submuscular transposition usually requires a longer time (3 to 6 weeks) in a splint.
Your surgeon may recommend physical therapy exercises to help you regain strength and motion in your arm. He or
she will also talk with you about when it will be safe to return to all your normal activities.
Surgical Outcome
The results of surgery are generally good. Each method of surgery has a similar success rate for routine cases of
nerve compression. If the nerve is very badly compressed or if there is muscle wasting, the nerve may not be able to
return to normal and some symptoms may remain even after the surgery. Nerves recover slowly, and it may take a
long time to know how well the nerve will do after surgery.




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The pain in pinky finger is caused by nerve pain due to the inflammation of
the finger joints. The nerve pain generates from inflammation in other joints for example elbow. The
symptom of elbow nerve pain is related to pinky finger. It is traced from elbow down to the forearm and to
the pinky finger. The resultant inflammation developed in the elbow and finger needs to be treated as
well. The treatment is an all-encompassing package of medications, exercises, ice heat and rest.
1: Evaluate, if the pain in pinky finger is due to inflammation of elbow. If the doctors confirms, then take
some rest and rest the fingers for couple of days. Avoid any extra tedious work from the fingers.
2: In a bowl of cold water, put some ice and place the afflicted fingers in for some twenty minutes. If the
elbow is causing pinky finger pain, get some ice pack or hand towel. Take the ice pack and strap it
around the effected elbow. Ensure that ice is compressed against the pain. Let the ice remain there for
half an hour. Repeat the procedure for four hours throughout the day. To remove the inflammation,
continue the initial ice therapy. The pain will subside sooner or later.
3: Take some warm water in a large big bowl. Put the afflicted finger in the bowl for twenty minutes. Use
the heating pad on the elbow for twenty minutes. Repeat the mentioned procedure twice or thrice daily.
The nerve pain will subside sooner or later.
4: After the swelling and inflammation has been reduced, conduct some exercises on the elbow and pinky
finger. Extend the fingers and slowly bend them in a way that tips of the finger touch upper palm of hand.
Stay in that position for half a minute. Do ten repetitions. Put the hands on a flat surface and beginning
with the pinky little finger, keep the palm flat and raise four fingers one by one. Do ten such repetitions for
half a minute.
5: Hold the arm straight out in front of you and bend the wrist and point fingers downward. Take the other
hand and pull back the fingers and keep the elbows straight. Hold this position for half a minute. Relax for
a while. Repeat this exercise twice a day.
6: If the pinky finger is paining due to the elbow, then it is necessary to rectify the elbow symptoms. The
elbow should be treated with ibuprofen and ice. Ice is instrumental in helping lessen the swelling and
inflammation. The blood flow is restricted. Heat is promoted to stimulate blood flow to the elbow and
finger. Tension in the nerves will be released by stretching.
7: Dont try rehabilitation exercises for that matter prior to reduction of swelling and inflammation. This
only adds fuel to the fire.
8: The hands are responsible for most of the work. Thus, pinky finger pain is commonplace, but exactly
serious condition either.
The most commonly observed pain in pinky finger is because of Guyons canal. The ulnar nerve passes
through this location. This canal shouldnt be narrowed as the ulnar nerve is then damaged. This results
in diagnosing Guyons canal syndrome.
There are a variety of reasons pertaining to developing pain in pinky finger, otherwise known as Guyons
canal syndrome. It can be the pisiform or hamate bones, which experiences fracture. Due to smaller
tumors, narrowing of the canals and hindrance of the nerve can occur.
The pain in pinky finger is also recurrent due to arthritis is wrist bones. Pressurizing the wrists can result
in pinky finger pain.
Symptoms of Guyons canal syndrome
There are certain signs of Guyons canal syndrome. It can feel like needles plucking the skin
simultaneously. This feeling resonates in middle finger and pinky finger. When the symptoms are ignored,
then burning and severe sensations are felt in the wrist. The ring finger and pinky finger can feel numb.
As the condition becomes severe, controlling the hand muscles becomes tough. Spreading the hands
and experiencing the wrist pain is also observed.
There are certain remedies for pain in pinky fingers such as not being able to do activities such as
bending the arm for a prolonged period of time. While using computer or laptop, ensure that desk is not
too low from the chair.
With pain in pinky finger, dont lean on elbow and dont pressurize the arm. While sleeping at night,
ensure that elbows are stretched out straight. Take a towel and wrap it in a backward position.
If the symptoms linger on, then take a visit to the general physician. The patient is tested by tapping on
the funny bone. Also, the patient is asked to bend the elbow. If the ulnar nerve slides out normally, then
its fine. Pain in pinky finger can be cured.

Finger pain is pain in one or more fingers.
Considerations
Nearly everyone has injured a finger at some time. After an injury, the finger can stay a bit crooked or
stiff. However, your hand can still work well. Fingers do not need to open or close completely to work.
Numbness or tingling in the fingers may be a sign of a problem with nerves or blood flow.
Causes
Blood flow problems
Injury
Juvenile rheumatoid arthritis
Nerve problems
Osteoarthritis
Raynaud's phenomenon
Rheumatoid arthritis
Home Care
Avoid activities that cause or worsen pain.
After injury, rest the finger joints so that they can heal. Use mild stretching exercises to keep them limber
and moving. Stretch the joints gently, not forcefully, twice a day. Stretch just to the point of discomfort, but
not enough to cause pain.
Use common sense and do activities that are less stressful to the joints. For example, you can grip a big
handle with less strain than a small handle.
Avoid strong pain medicines that tend to mask the pain. You may do too much activity and make the
injury worse.
Anti-inflammatory medication can help. Take any prescribed medication for inflammation only as directed.
When to Contact a Medical Professional
Call your health care provider if:
The finger pain is caused by injury
The problem continues after 2 weeks of home treatment
There is numbing or tingling in the fingers
There is severe pain at rest
It is impossible to straighten the fingers
What to Expect at Your Office Visit
The health care provider will perform a physical examination, which will include looking at your hand and
finger movement.

During a physical examination, a health care provider studies your body to determine if you do or do not
have a physical problem.
A physical examination usually includes:
Inspection (looking at the body)
Palpation (feeling the body with fingers or hands)
Auscultation (listening to sounds)
Percussion (producing sounds, usually by tapping on specific areas of the body)
References
Simel DL. Approach to the patient: history and physical examination.In: Goldman L, Schafer AI,
eds. Goldmans Cecil Medicine. 24th ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Saunders Elsevier; 2011:chap 6.
Update Date: 1/21/2013
Updated by: Linda J. Vorvick, MD, Medical Director and Director of Didactic Curriculum, MEDEX
Northwest Division of Physician Assistant Studies, Department of Family Medicine, UW Medicine, School
of Medicine, University of Washington. Also reviewed by A.D.A.M. Health Solutions, Ebix, Inc., Editorial
Team: David Zieve, MD, MHA, David R. Eltz, Stephanie Slon, and Nissi Wang.

You will be asked questions about your medical history and symptoms, including:
Location
o What part of the finger is affected?
o Is it on both hands?
o Is it in every finger?
o Which finger is affected?
o Is it only in one joint? Which joint?
Time pattern
o When did the finger pain start?
o How long has it lasted?
o Do you have pain all the time or does it come and go?
Quality
o Is the pain burning?
o Is the pain crushing?
o Is the pain sharp?
Medical history
o Have you been injured recently?
o What other symptoms do you have?
An x-ray of the hand may be recommended.
Treatment depends on the cause of the problem.
Alternative Names
Pain - finger
References
Lyn E, Mailhot T. Hand. In: Marx J, Hockberger RS, Walls RM, et al, eds. Rosens Emergency
Medicine: Concepts and Clinical Practice. 7th ed. St Philadelphia, Pa: Mosby Elsevier; 2009:chap 47.
Swigart CR. Hand and wrist pain. In: Firestein GS, Budd RC, Harris ED Jr., et al, eds. Kelley's Textbook
of Rheumatology. 8th ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Saunders Elsevier; 2008:chap 44.
Update Date: 8/15/2011
Updated by: Linda J. Vorvick, MD, Medical Director, MEDEX Northwest Division of Physician Assistant
Studies, University of Washington, School of Medicine. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical
Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.

Tingling In Fingertips


Finger tips are the most distant part of our body and all the neural and vascular supply reaching the
finger tips have to pass through so many structures either overlying or
underlying them. So, if any of these supplies is affected, it results in numbness and tingling in the
fingertips. Although the most commoncause for numbness and tingling in any part of the body
including fingertips isneural damage, however, a myriad of causes are responsible for the causation of
this symptom in a normal and healthy individual. These causes are:

Compression in neck peripheral nerves supplying the fingertips originate from the spinal
cord in the neck forming the brachial plexus (a series of nerves) in the neck and armpit. So,
damage to the neck in the form of trauma, continuous abnormal posture, intervertebral disc
prolapse or herniation can lead to compression of the nerve roots or the nerves supplying the
fingertips. This unusual compression causestingling, numbness and heaviness in the hand
and fingertips especially. Although it is not a much painful condition, however, this may cause
continuous discomfort in the hand and fingers making an individual a handicap. Common causes
of nerve compression in the neck are intervertebral disc prolapse, wear and tear of the cervical
vertebrae and cervical spondylosis. Moreover, trauma of any kind in the neck can cause
numbness and tingling in the finger tips.
Carpel tunnel syndrome although it is another neural cause of tingling in the finger tips,
however, I would like to explain it separately because it is an important and very common cause
of tingling in the finger tips. It is a syndrome characterized by numbness, tingling, muscle
weakness and damage of the hand due to compression of one of the major nerves of the hand.
Carpal tunnel is the compartment of hand in which myriad of tissues lie in very proximity. So,
minor change such as swelling in this compartment leads to compression of the nerve and thus
carpal tunnel syndrome. The other name of this syndrome is pins and needles. It commonly
occurs in the individuals between thirty and sixty years of age. This syndrome occurs more
frequently in men than in women.
Peripheral nerves supplying the finger tips can be compressed anywhere in their way. Few
common causes that my compress the peripheral nerves are arterial aneurysms (sac like
swelling of arteries), softtissue inflammation, and, tumors compressing the nerve or scar tissue
formation near the nerve.
Vascular causes so far infection we have primarily discussed the neural causes of tingling in
finger tips. Now, I would like to mention few common vascular causes that may lead to feeling of
numbness, tingling and heaviness in the hand and fingertips. Atherosclerosis of the arteries and
end arteries supplying the hand and fingertips lead to ischemia of the fingertips that may cause
numbness and tingling of the finger tips. As already discussed fingertips are the most distant part
of the body, so minor change in blood supply has a very drastic and devastating effect on them.
Another common cause of tingling is frost bite due to exposure to extreme cold.

Symptoms:
The following symptoms may be experienced with tingling fingers:

Numbness and pain depending of the main cause.
If the cause is related to diabetes symptoms may include numbness in fingers and toes.
Muscle spasms.
Sensitivity to touch.
Hand pain, arm pain, or finger joint pain.
Cold fingers.
Burning fingers.

Symptoms which need immediate help (visit a doctor immediately):

Movement of arm or leg cannot be controlled.
Loss of consciousness or dizziness.
Sudden, Severe headache.
You experience change in vision, difficulty walking, or weakness (loss of strength).
Tingling occurs just after a head, neck, or back injury.
You feel its difficult to breath.
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ome What would cause numbness and tingling in my little finger? - Ask Doctor K
What would cause numbness and tingling in my little finger?
POSTED JULY 26, 2012, 6:00 AM

DEAR DOCTOR K:
Im bothered by numbness and tingling in my little finger and general weakness in my right hand. Could I
have carpal tunnel syndrome?
DEAR READER:
Based on your description, Id say you have cubital (not carpal) tunnel syndrome. Another name for this
condition is ulnar neuropathy.
Cubital tunnel syndrome, like carpal tunnel syndrome, is a pinched nerve problem. The affected nerve is
the ulnar nerve. That nerve starts in your neck, enters your arm, and passes through the inner side of
your elbow (behind your funny bone) on its way to your hand. In fact, when you hit your funny bone and
feel a shooting pain down your arm and into the hand, its because you hit the ulnar nerve, not the bony
cradle that the nerve passes through.
The ulnar nerve passes through a tunnel made of fibers (the cubital tunnel) en route to your hand. If the
tunnel gets narrow, it puts pressure on the nerve. This pressure causes numbness, tingling, weakness or
pain in your ring finger or little finger. (In contrast, the more common carpal tunnel syndrome affects the
thumb, index and middle fingers.) Cubital tunnel syndrome can also cause your hands to become weak
and clumsy.
Tasks that require you to extend and flex your elbow repeatedly can irritate and inflame the ulnar nerve.
Leaning or resting on your elbow for long periods can also put pressure on the nerve; so can holding a
phone to your ear for longer periods each day. Sleeping with bent elbows may also aggravate the
problem.
The most effective way to treat cubital tunnel syndrome is to change the actions that may have triggered
the problem. For instance, switch to a headset-style phone and remove armrests from your office chair.
Avoid leaning on your elbow while driving or when seated. Also avoid keeping your elbow flexed more
than 90 degrees, or repeatedly bending and straightening your elbow.
Try sleeping on your side with a pillow supporting the entire length of your arm. Try wrapping a towel
around your elbow or wearing a splint at night to keep it straight while you sleep. If you cant avoid
bumping your elbow and causing pain several times a day, try wearing a soft elbow pad to protect the
nerve against such trauma. Medications to reduce swelling may help.
Most people improve with the conservative approaches I discussed. If you dont, your doctor may suggest
surgery. The most common type of surgery is ulnar nerve release: The surgeon cuts open the tunnel that
is pinching the nerve. But it would be unusual for me to send a patient with cubital tunnel syndrome (or
ulnar neuropathy) to a surgeon. Usually, the simple approaches do the trick.
Related Information: Hands: Strategies for strong, pain-free hands