Hi guys, looks like I’m about to get diagnosed with a new problem: cubital tunnel syndrome.
I didn’t know what this was until about 2 days ago, when I got the results of an ultrasound on my elbow. It’s like carpal tunnel, but in your elbow instead of your wrist.
For months now I’ve been having increasing difficulty using my right hand, especially when holding my arm bent and stiff like when chopping vegies etc. I also notice it when using the computer at work, as I’m right-hand dominant. What happens is my hand kind of freezes up or locks and I can’t move it. I have to drop the knife (or mouse or whatever) and shake my hand until it comes out of it. It doesn’t feel like a cramp; it’s a different kind of pain. I also get pins and needles frequently.
Anyhoo, the ultrasound showed that my elbow is subluxating (partially dislocating) each time I bend and straighten it, and that there is significant thickening in my elbow, likely causing nerve compression. On the one hand, this is great news - it explains my troubles, and my scans so often come back normal, so an US finding is a bit of a relief - but on the other hand, this is not the best news ever. I’ve been worried for a while that I might be developing neuropathy - and now I have.
Anyone else living with cubital tunnel-like symptoms? Any tips? I’ll still be able to work, right? Also, tips on getting over yet *another* diagnosis would be most welcome atm. Also pet pics etc.!
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MusicalFurbaby
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Dr Donald Thomas mentions cubital tunnel syndrome on p728 of The Lupus Encyclopedia.
Puts it the 'peripheral neuropathy affecting the hands category' but affecting the opposite side of the hand to carpel tunnel syndrome.
Cubical tunnel where ulna nerve travels, inside elbow near funny bone, causing shock like pains in pinky and ring fingers.
I'm finding I'm getting both syndromes in right hand after Gadolinium injection in vein in hand before Christmas when had MRI. Tendons have tightened a bit.
So for me may be tendon related..?
Says to keep elbows straight more and not rest elbows on table.
Not sure this helps at all..but there does seem to be a link with SLE as mentioned in this book.
Think something similar is also happening in jaw and causing headaches on right side of head. I have first neurology headache appointment soon so may mention hand too.
Thank you, that definitely helps. I’m never sure whether new problems are lupus-related or purely coincidental! I’m seeing my doc next week so we’ll see what he thinks. Good luck with your appt - I have jaw stuff going on too, and I know lupus is definitely related to that for me!
hi musicalfurbaby, I’ve just had nerve conduction test done! It was fascinating with the explanation of how/ which nerves do what. Because I get pain in my elbow as you’ve said, he tested the nerve running from elbow to shoulder. Unfortunately I’ve not got any answer yet as to whether any nerves are causing a problem. I’ve an appointment in a few weeks time.
I was given pregabalin 6 months ago which I took reluctantly but it has taken the edge off the pins and needles but not helped with the ‘locking’ or grip, I’m trying all sorts of gadgets to open bottles, have changed taps to push rather than turn. Also spent a fortune on various splints to see which ones help. I still haven’t found one yet that I can use while sleeping!
Hey ho, the joys we have to go through….hope your still smiling 😉
Thanks Chris, interesting to hear about the pregabalin as an option, even though it has not helped as much as hoped…I’ve heard about splints but I’m not sure about using them during ‘locking’ tasks, such as cutting veg or using a computer mouse. Just how do you keep your arm straight while slicing?! Let alone while unconscious…yes I’m still smiling over here, just trying to get my head around a whole new problem!
Visions of trying to cut vegs with a straight arm made me laugh. There are splints/bandages that can help, my granddaughter has a knee that loves to sublax so she’ll occasionally put a splint on that allows the knee to bend but supports the joint from moving out of place, im guessing as it’s a hinge the principle would work the same on an elbow 🤷🏼♀️
Never say never that’s my motto, there’s always a solution, you’ll find a way.
Hi MusicalFurbaby, I recently went to the neurologist for a different problem, but she noticed my hands and feet and I told her I was having numbness, burning, tingling, etc. and also great pain and problems with lifting, holding things, etc. with my right arm in general and elbow. AT my last visit with my rheumatologist, he felt the elbow was tendonitis. Anyway, the neurologist did nerve testing of upper and lower body and said I have a great deal of nerve damage, probably from the lupus. She didn't want to prescribe any pills as I am taking so much already. I may have shots instead. I know that it has been going on forsome time, but in the last couple months, it has gotten progressively worse. I don't have any advise, but I do understand and feel for you.
Thank you so much Pumpkin, I have had quite a bit of nerve testing over the last couple of years (various reasons), so I’m confident I don’t have nerve damage—yet—but I guess if I don’t treat this, I may wind up with nerve damage. Nerves don’t like to be compressed, eh? Sorry to hear of your tendonitis, but I’m glad shots are an option for you. I’ll keep you all posted on the outcome of my elbow stuff.
Right now the shots are for my hand, but I am not sure it is the elbow and shoulder hurting the hand. It doesn't help I broke my wrist a few years ago and it is quite deformed. At least, the left side although damaged isn't quite as bad. The left foot is worse than the right foot, but it has been broken 2 years ago. I do walk a bit funny because my feet feel so strange. I am glad to know what was happening as I knew something was going on.
Are you using a straightening splint at night? Hopefully conservative treatment will resolve the issue if not surgery is very successful too. Good luck!
Hi Roarah, no I’m not using a splint yet, I’ve been referred to a specialist physio who needs to assess it first, so I’ll see what they recommend. I’m assuming it will be a combination of arm strengthening exercises and splint-wearing, but they may also recommend surgery, depending on the situation. Not sure how I’ll go wearing a splint at night, I imagine it will be quite uncomfortable!
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