The bones and muscles of modern people are at risk! [바른 근골격 생활]Together with the orthopedic surgeon of Madison Hospital, we learn about various musculoskeletal disorders that modern people can experience, and introduce correct lifestyle habits, prevention and treatment methods, etc.
If the ring finger and little finger appear numb, and then gradually numb and tingle to the elbow, ‘elbow tunnel syndrome’ should be suspected. “If the elbow tunnel syndrome worsens, the overall strength of the hand weakens, making it difficult to lock buttons or use chopsticks,” said Jeon Jae-beom, director of Hidak Orthopedic Surgery Consulting Clinic (Madison Hospital). . Learn more about Elbow Tunnel Syndrome with Director Jeon Jae-beom.
Q. What is Elbow Tunnel Syndrome, and in which people is it most common?
A. The median nerve, the radial nerve, and the ulnar nerve are distributed in the arm. Among them, the ulnar nerve is compressed by a band of fibers such as a ligament or fascia at the back of the elbow, causing pain. It is expressed as a ‘tunnel’ because the nerve passes between the fibrous bands, and the disease that occurs in the elbow is called ‘elbow tunnel syndrome’. Neurocompression syndrome with a high incidence of hand disease, caused by occupational groups that use the arm excessively, the habit of holding an arm pillow or chin, or trauma. Recently, excessive smartphone and computer use is a trend that occurs a lot in the younger age group.
Q. What are the symptoms of Elbow Tunnel Syndrome?
A. Elbow tunnel syndrome is characterized by numbness and pain in the pinky and ring fingers. At first, there is a slight tingling sensation, but as the pain in the fingers extends to the elbow, a tingling sensation is felt on the inside of the elbow. If the symptoms persist, the muscle strength of the fingers may appear to have lost weight, and the overall strength of the hand will be weakened, making it difficult to perform delicate movements such as locking buttons or using chopsticks. In severe cases, the fingers are not fully straightened, but are bent and deformed into a claw shape that is difficult to straighten.
Q. What is the difference between an elbow disease such as tennis elbow and Elbow Tunnel Syndrome?
A. Both diseases are elbow diseases, and they have one thing in common: frequent incidence. Elbow disease is a joint inflammatory disease caused by repetitive rupture of the tendons connecting the muscles and bones due to repeated use. Elbow tunnel syndrome, on the other hand, is a disease that causes pain due to compression of the ulnar nerve around the elbow joint due to bad lifestyle, etc. The main symptoms include numbness in the 4th and 5th fingers, abnormal sensation, and weakness in the hand.
Q. When I have elbow tunnel syndrome, is stretching, massage, or taping helpful?
A. Yes, it is. Because it is a nerve compression disease caused by bad lifestyle habits, it is recommended to change your posture when you are in one position for a long time, such as an office worker who works on a computer for a long time or talking on the phone for a long time. It is also a good idea to do stretching exercises such as straightening your arms and rotating your wrists, or massaging the thick muscles under the elbows from time to time. Also, taping by dividing the tape in half from the wrist to the thumb and little finger and wrapping the other tape around the wrist can also have a temporary effect.
As Elbow Tunnel Syndrome progresses, daily activities such as locking buttons or using chopsticks often become difficult. If the symptoms are not relieved by stretching, etc., it is recommended to visit an orthopedic surgeon and receive an accurate examination.
Q. How is elbow tunnel syndrome treated?
A. Since Elbow Tunnel Syndrome is a disease caused by overuse or bad habits, it is most important to find the cause and improve the habit. In some cases, there are cases of spontaneous healing, but most of them improve with non-surgical treatment such as injection treatment, drug treatment, or physical therapy while observing the progress. If non-surgical treatment does not improve, surgical treatment is performed.
Q. In what cases is surgical treatment performed? Are there any side effects?
A. If the pain worsens, nerve compression worsens, and paralysis and muscle atrophy occur, surgical treatment is performed. Depending on the patient’s condition and symptom progression, ‘ulnar nerve forward transfer’ or ‘ulnar nerve decompression’ is performed, and the prognosis of most surgery is very good. Even if the prognosis is good, it takes some time to fully recover, so if symptoms are found, it is recommended to visit an orthopedic surgeon as soon as possible for treatment. Surgery can also be performed by a hand orthopedic surgeon with extensive clinical experience, so you can expect good surgical results without side effects.
Tips for preventing and relieving elbow tunnel syndrome in daily life recommended by an orthopedic surgeon
1. Extend your arms out in front of you with the back of your hands facing up, then press your hand against the thickest muscle just below your elbow. Slowly rotate your wrist while pressed. (repeat 10 times)
2. Extend your arms out in front of you with the back of your hand facing up, then grab the back of your hand and pull it down. (repeat 10 times)
3. Extend your arms out in front of you with your palms facing up, then grab your fingers and pull them down. (repeat 10 times)
Help = Hidak Consulting Doctor Jae-Beom Jeon (Orthopedic Surgeon at Madison Hospital)