The symptoms of a damaged ulnar nerve often manifest as discomfort and functional impairment in the hand and arm, specifically affecting the little finger and half of the ring finger.
Common Symptoms of Ulnar Nerve Damage
Damage to the ulnar nerve can lead to a variety of noticeable symptoms, impacting sensation and strength in the affected limb. Recognizing these signs early can be crucial for diagnosis and treatment.
Key symptoms may include:
- Weakness or tenderness in the hand: This can make it difficult to perform daily tasks requiring fine motor skills or grip strength.
- Tingling in the palm and fourth (ring) and fifth (little) fingers: Often described as a "pins and needles" sensation, this is a hallmark sign of nerve irritation or compression.
- Sensitivity to cold: The affected hand or fingers might feel unusually cold or become painful when exposed to low temperatures.
- Tenderness in the elbow joint: Since the ulnar nerve passes through a groove in the elbow (often called the "funny bone"), irritation or compression here can cause localized pain and tenderness.
These symptoms can range from mild and intermittent to severe and constant, depending on the extent and duration of the nerve damage. Over time, untreated ulnar nerve damage can lead to muscle wasting in the hand and a claw-like deformity of the fingers.
For more detailed information on ulnar nerve entrapment, you can visit Johns Hopkins Medicine.
