If you work in an office at a computer, you probably have seen the effects of carpal tunnel syndrome among your co-workers. But, are you familiar with cubital tunnel syndrome?
Cubital tunnel syndrome is a lesser-known cumulative injury that is caused by repetitive motion. Here’s what you should know about this particular condition:
How can you tell cubital tunnel syndrome from carpal tunnel?
Ultimately, you’ll need a doctor to determine what kind of cumulative stress injury you have, but here are the basic differences:
- With carpal tunnel, you may experience pain, numbness and dysfunction in your index finger, thumb and middle finger.
- With cubital tunnel, you may experience pain, numbness and dysfunction in your ring and pinkie finger.
Carpal tunnel syndrome is generally caused by overuse at the wrist, while cubital tunnel starts all the way at the elbow joint and is caused by pressure on the ulnar nerve bundle that passes in that area all the way to your hand.
Both conditions can cause weakness and pain in your wrists, and they can equally lead to permanent nerve damage that forever limits your ability to use your hands for small tasks or when operating a computer or other equipment.
While it’s true that some people are more prone to cubital tunnel syndrome because of arthritis or a history of injuries to their elbows, it’s most often a product of cumulative trauma. Sometimes that trauma is simply caused by resting your elbows on your desk while you work. The pressure of your own body can cause pinched nerves.
If you have cubital tunnel syndrome and you believe it’s work-related, don’t let anybody tell you that you cannot file for workers’ compensation simply because you have a history of arthritis or are older. You have a right to the benefits you need.
