Anyone out there with Ulnar Entrapment Syndrome?

Hello,

Just wondering if any reporters have this syndrome and how they deal with it.   Is surgery worth it?  Not sure if an elbow brace is enough.

Thanks 

I've had trouble with my ulnar nerve for a few years now.  it comes and goes.   I haven't had surgery so I can't give you an opinion on that.  The elbow brace works well for me.  Sometimes I will sleep with the elbow brace and a wrist brace.  that works the best.  The nerve goes all the way from your neck down to your pinky.  I found that if I sleep with my arm completely straight for a few weeks it gets better.  Then once I stop doing that it gets worse again.  Apparently, I sleep with my arms curled up underneath me so the nerve is pinched for 6 to 8 hours a night. 

Don't carry your purse on any plastic bags or anything on your wrist.  that will make it worse.  If you do a google search, you will find some stretching excercises that work pretty well.  Also, Ibuprofen works well because it reduces the swelling. 

Also, try not to sleep on that side.  I find that always make it worse for me.   using the elbow and wrist brace will keep you from doing that.

Your doctor can also show you some good stretches if he/she hasn't already. 

My doctor did a strenght test with my fingers and found that I haven't lost any strenght in my hand.  that is why I'm just treating it with braces and Ibuprofen and not surgery.  you should have that checked out if you haven't already.

No surgery here, but different issues.  And I, too, have found that sleeping with my arms outstretched can completely eliminate the problems.  But it's easier said than done.  I also have a habit of sleeping with my arms tucked tightly under my head.  It's a no-no.