What you may feel
- Numbness or tingling mainly in the little finger and part of the ring finger.
- Keeping the elbow bent, such as during a phone call, can worsen symptoms.
- Leaning on the elbow may cause pain or an electric sensation.
- Finger numbness may wake you during the night.
- More advanced compression may impair finger movement and fine handling.
How it is assessed
Assessment checks the nerve’s sensory distribution, small hand muscles and the effect of elbow position.
Identify the precise areas of pain and numbness and describe the effect of touch. Bring details of other conditions, medicines and previous procedures.
Approaches to care
Reducing prolonged bending and pressure on the elbow is important. Further care depends on the degree of nerve involvement.
Discuss how pain affects sleep, work and movement. At follow-up, report changes in sensation and strength as well as pain intensity.
When to seek urgent help
Sudden or rapidly increasing weakness, abrupt loss of sensation or new bladder or bowel problems need immediate assessment.
Further reading: North Tees and Hartlepool NHS
This is educational information and does not replace an individual medical assessment. Similar symptoms alone do not establish a diagnosis.