Cubital tunnel syndrome is irritation or squeezing of the ulnar nerve as it passes behind the inner elbow, the spot often called the funny bone. It causes tingling or numbness in the ring and little fingers and, in more severe cases, hand weakness. Mild cases often improve with simple changes to how you hold and lean on your elbow.
Also known as ulnar neuropathy at the elbow, ulnar nerve entrapment, funny bone nerve compression
Symptoms
- Tingling, pins and needles or numbness in the ring and little fingers
- Symptoms that are worse when the elbow is bent for long periods, such as on the phone or at night
- Aching on the inner side of the elbow
- Clumsiness or weaker grip and pinch
- In longer-standing cases, thinning of the muscles in the hand
Causes and risk factors
- Keeping the elbow bent for long periods, which stretches and presses on the nerve
- Leaning on the inner elbow, for example on a desk, armrest or car window
- Sleeping with the arms tightly bent
- Previous elbow fracture, arthritis or swelling around the joint
- Repetitive elbow bending in work or sport
What the evidence says helps
- For mild cases, a Cochrane review found that information on which movements and positions to avoid may reduce discomfort. The evidence comes from one small trial and is low quality.2
- In one trial, nearly 9 in 10 people with mild to moderate symptoms improved over six months after being given advice on avoiding provoking positions.3
- Adding night splints or nerve gliding exercises to advice did not give extra benefit in that trial. Evidence on night splints remains very limited.234
- Reviews suggest education, activity changes or splinting are reasonable first steps for mild or moderate symptoms.5
- Surgery to release the nerve may be considered for severe or persisting symptoms. Simple release and moving the nerve give similar results, with fewer wound infections after simple release.2
Things you can try at home
- Avoid leaning on your inner elbow; pad hard surfaces such as desks and armrests
- Use a headset or speakerphone rather than holding a phone to your ear for long calls
- At night, try to sleep with your arms straighter; a towel loosely wrapped around the elbow can help
- Take breaks to straighten your arms during tasks that keep the elbows bent
- Note what brings on your symptoms so you can adjust those positions
When to get urgent help
Contact your GP urgently, call NHS 111, or call 999 in an emergency if you have:
- Weakness in the hand that is getting worse, or visible thinning of hand muscles: see your GP promptly
- Sudden weakness or numbness in the face, arm or leg, or difficulty speaking: call 999
- Numbness or weakness in both arms or legs, or problems with walking, bladder or bowel: seek urgent medical help via NHS 111 or A&E
- Symptoms after a fall or elbow injury with severe pain or deformity: go to A&E
- Constant symptoms with neck pain and pain spreading down the arm that is worsening: see your GP
How Apollo can help
We assess your elbow, neck and the full length of the nerve to help work out where the irritation is coming from. We explain which postures and habits tend to provoke symptoms and help you adjust your work set-up, sleep position and activities. We can add gentle mobility and strengthening work where appropriate. If you have significant weakness or symptoms that are not improving, we will advise you to see your GP for further tests or a specialist opinion, and we can support your rehab after surgery.
No GP referral needed. Clinics in Sheringham, Coltishall and Norwich.
Related reading
Frequently asked questions
Will cubital tunnel syndrome go away on its own?
Mild cases often improve over weeks to months once you avoid the positions that press on or stretch the nerve. If symptoms persist or weakness develops, further assessment is important. Your GP can arrange nerve tests if needed.
How should I sleep with cubital tunnel syndrome?
Try to avoid sleeping with your elbows tightly bent or your arms tucked under your head. Some people loosely wrap a towel around the elbow to stop it bending fully at night. Research has not shown that formal night splints add much benefit over advice alone.
When is surgery needed for cubital tunnel syndrome?
Surgery is usually considered when symptoms are severe, there is muscle weakness or wasting, or simple measures have not helped. A specialist will discuss the options with you. Recovery of feeling and strength after surgery can take several months.
References
- Graf AR, et al. (2022). Modern treatment of cubital tunnel syndrome: evidence and controversy. Journal of Hand Surgery Global Online. View source
- Caliandro P, La Torre G, Padua R, Giannini F, Padua L (2016). Treatment for ulnar neuropathy at the elbow. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, CD006839.pub4. View source
- Svernlöv B, et al. (2009). Conservative treatment of the cubital tunnel syndrome. Journal of Hand Surgery (European Volume). View source
- Bateman M, et al. (2025). Effectiveness of night splints for cubital tunnel syndrome: a systematic review. Hand Therapy. View source
- Kooner S, et al. (2019). Conservative treatment of cubital tunnel syndrome: a systematic review. Orthopedic Reviews. View source
This page is general information, not a diagnosis or a substitute for medical advice. If you are worried about your symptoms, speak to your GP or a registered healthcare professional. Content prepared from the sources above, November 2026.
