What Causes Numbness In The Elbow And Fingers?

Posted on Sat, 22 Apr 2017

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Sat, 22 Apr 2017 Answered on

Sat, 13 May 2017 Last reviewed on

Question : For the past month, I've been having a weird feeling in my elbow forearm and hand. When I bend my arm, my elbow feels funny. If I keep it bent for awhile, my forearm and ring/pinkie fingers go numb. Should I consult someone in person or will it just go away? I didn't injure it at all.

Answered by Dr. Dr. Erion Spaho (16 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Probably compression of the ulnar nerve.

Detailed Answer:
Hello and thanks for using HealthcareMagic.

I have read your question and understand your concerns.

It is the ulnar nerve that may be compressed as it passes through the cubital tunnel that is causing your symptoms.

A check up by your primary care Doctor and a nerve conduction study of the affected extremity are necessary to confirm the diagnosis.

Surgery for this type of condition is reserved only for advanced cases of nerve dysfunction.

Resting the affected arm, avoiding injury and short-term use of NSAID drugs(eg. Tylenol, Ibuprofen etc.) should improve your symptoms.

Hope you found the answer helpful. Let me know if I can assist you further.

Kind regards.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Arnab Banerjee