Common Conditions We Treat

The complex network of bones, tendons, and ligaments in your arm makes it susceptible to both acute injuries and chronic overuse.

1. Elbow Conditions Tennis Elbow (Lateral Epicondylitis): Pain on the outside of the elbow, often caused by repetitive wrist extension.

Golfer’s Elbow (Medial Epicondylitis): Pain on the inner side of the elbow.

Little Leaguer’s Elbow: Medial epicondyle apophysitis, common in young throwing athletes.

Student’s Elbow (Bursitis): Inflammation of the fluid-filled sac at the tip of the elbow.

2. Wrist & Hand Conditions

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome: Compression of the median nerve, causing numbness or tingling in the hand.

De Quervain's Tenosynovitis: Painful inflammation of tendons on the thumb side of the wrist.

Climber’s Finger: Common among the rock-climbing community, involving damage to the digital flexor tendon pulley systems. Our chiropractor, Daniel, knows all too well about this, as he loves to climb on the weekends 

Repetitive Strain Injury (RSI): Often caused by excessive phone use or poor ergonomic workstation setups.

We are seeing this more and more due to our new work culture of being stuck at a desk. 

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Could it be Cubital Tunnel Syndrome 

- Dr Daniel explains in our video series below how it differs from carpal tunnel syndrome and what the signs and symptoms are, and what treatment is available 

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Cubital Tunnel Syndrome is the second most common nerve compression syndrome in the upper body (after Carpal Tunnel). It occurs when the ulnar nerve—popularly known as the "funny bone" nerve—becomes compressed or irritated as it passes through the cubital tunnel on the inside of the elbow.

Here is an overview of the condition, its symptoms, and how it is managed.

1. What is the Cubital Tunnel?

The cubital tunnel is a narrow passageway made of bone, muscle, and ligament. Because the ulnar nerve has very little soft tissue padding in this area, it is highly susceptible to pressure. When the nerve is pinched, the electrical signals travelling to your hand are disrupted.

2. Common Symptoms

Symptoms typically affect the inside of the arm and the "outside" of the hand (the pinky side):

• Numbness and Tingling: Often felt in the ring finger and little finger. This frequently happens when the elbow is bent for long periods (e.g., while sleeping or holding a phone).

• "Asleep" Feeling: A pins-and-needles sensation in the hand.

• Weakness in Grip: You may find it difficult to open jars or notice a lack of coordination in your fingers (e.g., typing or playing an instrument).

• Muscle Wasting: In severe, long-term cases, the small muscles in the hand can begin to shrink (atrophy).

3. Common Causes

• Prolonged Bending: Keeping the elbow bent (flexed) stretches the nerve over the bone. Sleeping with your arms tucked in is a frequent culprit.

• Pressure: Leaning on your elbow on hard surfaces (like a desk) for long periods.

• Anatomy: Sometimes the nerve doesn't stay in place and "snaps" over the bony bump (medial epicondyle) during movement, causing irritation.

• Previous Injuries: Old elbow fractures, bone spurs, or swelling from arthritis.

4. Chiropractic & Manual Therapy Management

At HealthWise Chiropractic, the goal is to reduce pressure on the nerve without surgery. Common approaches include:

• Nerve Glides (Flossing): Specific exercises designed to help the ulnar nerve slide smoothly through the cubital tunnel rather than getting "stuck."

• IASTM (Fascia Knife): As mentioned on your blog, using specialised tools to release tight muscles around the elbow (like the triceps or forearm flexors) that may be compressing the nerve.

• Joint Mobilisation: Ensuring the elbow, wrist, and even the neck (where the ulnar nerve originates) are moving correctly to prevent "double crush" syndrome (where the nerve is pinched in two places).

• Ergonomic Advice: Using elbow pads or "night splints" to keep the arm straight while sleeping.

Quick Stats

• Who gets it? It is more common in people whose jobs require repetitive elbow movement or long hours at a desk.

• The "Cell Phone" Connection: There has been a rise in cases nicknamed "cell phone elbow" due to people holding phones to their ears for extended periods with a fully bent elbow.

Faqs about Elbow , Wrist and Hand problems