Obtaining Compensation for Cubital Tunnel Syndrome

Cubital tunnel syndrome is a type of repetitive stress injury.

Carpal tunnel syndrome is a common repetitive stress injury affecting Missouri workers. However, another type of repetitive stress injury is called cubital tunnel syndrome. It involves the inner elbow and causes the worker to feel a pressure triggering sensation in the ulnar nerve. This nerve is responsible for providing feeling to the ring finger and little finger.

Work-Related Cubital Tunnel Syndrome

Work-related trauma or repetitive motion from straining one’s arm or lifting weights can cause this condition. Pressure on the ulnar nerve may cause numbness, tingling, and pain extending from the elbow to the fingers. Workers who develop cubital tunnel syndrome due to tasks they perform at the workplace are entitled to benefits under the Missouri workers’ compensation system.

Some types of workers are more prone to cubital tunnel syndrome than others because of the kind of work. It is generally caused by jobs that require repetitive straightening or bending of the elbow. Employees who have to hold the phone for a prolonged period, such as those in customer service or those who have to lift packages, are prone to developing cubital tunnel syndrome. In most cases, the worker feels the pain and pressure not when working but when at rest.

Symptoms of Cubital Tunnel Syndrome

Common symptoms of cubital tunnel syndrome include tingling, numbness, or pain in the forearm, extending from the elbow to the fingers. Usually, the pain is triggered when the worker bends the arm. The worker may feel a strain in the hand, and it may seem as if the hand is falling asleep. Some workers who develop cubital tunnel syndrome also show signs of loss of finger coordination and a weakened grip. In severe cases, the affected person may completely lose sensation in the hand muscles.

Treatment for Cubital Tunnel Syndrome

The most straightforward remedy for this injury is to avoid the activities that put pressure on the ulnar nerve. If the injury results from your work habits, you will have no option but to change your work habits. Changing the routine of the job, avoiding repetitive tasks, and avoiding resting the elbows on armrests can reduce pressure on the ulnar nerve.

If the condition has progressed and can no longer be cured by home remedies and rest, an injured worker may seek medical treatment. Treatment includes anti-inflammatory medication, including steroidal and non-steroidal medicine. Other treatments that a physician may prescribe are splinting or bracing, nerve gliding exercises, and surgery may be required in severe cases. Depending on how serious the injury is, the treatment may be lengthy and expensive.

Work Related Injuries