ulnar nerve compression

The ulnar nerve is one of the few nerves in the entire human body that is not protected by muscle or bone. When nerves become compressed between muscles and/or bones they are unable to send sensory information to the brain for processing, mainly because the information cannot pass through the nerve fibers. This can have a number of results, depending on how severely compressed the nerve is. If the compression is minor then the individual might feel a considerable amount of pain, and possibly some pins and needles. As compression worsens, so does the pins and needles, but numbness may start to take over the pain and only tingling might be felt. Pain is usually common with every instance of ulnar nerve compression, however.in the elbow. Individuals suffering from ulnar nerve compression are often advised to take regular doses of ibuprofen or other anti inflammatories both to manage pain and to stop the tissues surrounding the compressed nerve from swelling even further. They may be given some stretching exercises to try and free the nerve naturally too. For most people these two treatments, plus a bit of patience and resting of the arm affected are usually all that's needed for the condition to right itself. However, some individuals suffer chronic ulnar nerve compression, which means that it cannot free itself simply by stretches and stopping regular or rigorous use of the arm. These cases should be treated urgently, because if a nerve is trapped for too long (usually a matter of months, rather than weeks) then the nerve can undergo considerable damage, leading to permanent symptoms. In this case surgery on the ulnar nerve may be required. If you're suffering from pain in your elbow, forearm, wrist, hand or fingers as well as tingling, numbness or pins and needles then you should not delay visiting your doctor. Any course of treatment advised will include pain relief and will be the least invasive avenue possible.