Numbness in your little finger after an elbow injury
How a hand surgeon and a hand therapist approach ulnar nerve trouble
The ulnar nerve runs near the inner side of your elbow. It’s the spot behind the familiar funny bone feeling. A direct blow, a broken bone or swelling after a crash can irritate it. Tingling or numbness often shows up in the little finger and part of the ring finger. [1, 2]
When the problem is severe, the small muscles that spread your fingers or control a fine pinch may get weak. The pattern matters because treatment depends on where the nerve is affected. [1, 2]
Tell your doctor about feeling and strength
Tell your doctor which fingers feel different and whether the symptoms are constant. Say if bending your elbow makes them worse. Mention if you drop things, have trouble opening your fingers or have lost coordination in your hand. The exam may compare feeling and hand muscles. Then the doctor may check your elbow and neck. Nerve tests may help if the location or severity is still unclear. [1, 2]
Ease the pressure while respecting the injury
Your doctor may say the nerve is irritated, with no damage to its structure. In that case, keeping pressure off the inner elbow may help. So may avoiding long periods with the elbow deeply bent. A therapist can talk with you about positioning and a support that suits you. Do not change a fracture splint or an elbow movement limit on your own. [1, 2]
Numbness or weakness that lasts, or muscles that look thinner, needs a recheck. Surgery is considered in some cases that are severe or getting worse. It isn’t the first answer for every symptom. [1, 2]
Signs to come back sooner
Questions about the nerve at your elbow
- Does my pattern fit the ulnar nerve at the elbow?
- Is there a break or other cause that would change my treatment?
- What change should bring me back before my next appointment?
Write down which fingers and tasks are affected
Note exactly which fingers are affected. List any task that weakness has made harder. [1]
Sources and further reading
- 1American Society for Surgery of the Hand, cubital tunnel syndrome
- 2British Society for Surgery of the Hand, cubital tunnel syndrome
General information from hand surgeons and hand therapists. Numbness in the little finger can start at the elbow, wrist, neck or somewhere else. Your own doctor has to figure out the cause in your case.
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