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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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What Causes Prolonged Pain And Bruise On The Wrist?

I was diagnosed with cubital tunnel syndrome a while back because my pinky finger would fall asleep when my elbow was bent, and I had pain in my elbow and wrist. My only issue is that I have had pain in my wrist for years, I write and type a lot and the pain started in my high school years and as time went on it moved to my hands and fingers, and then my elbows. It usually feels like bruising or burning pain, sometimes it just feels like sharp or shooting pain. It has become so bad that I can t hold things for very long even if they re not that heavy, and sometimes my fingers get stuck and I cannot bend them but that only lasts for a couple seconds to a minute. In the beginning when it started my hands would swell and sometimes they would become red and splotchy. Sometimes it would get worse in the winter months but it could last throughout the year. I was told I do not have carpal tunnel years ago and cubital tunnel makes sense for some of the things I m experiencing, but in other areas my hands and wrists have gotten worse, so I m just wondering if there is another problem going on that I should be aware of. I ve had x-rays and I have been to an orthopedist but nothing seems to be resolved. Thanks.
Mon, 29 Aug 2016
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General & Family Physician 's  Response
Hi
Thanks for posting your query on HCM
The symptoms you present suggest a cubital tunnel syndrome.Unlike a carpal tunnel syndrome which produces similar symptoms affecting your thumb and index, middle or ring fingers, cubital tunnel syndrome causes same symptoms in the ring and small fingers.In cubital tunnel syndrome, the symptoms are more pronounced when the elbow is bent as a result of stretching or compression on the ulnar nerve.This is the case with you.
Some medical conditions that may however give you such presentations are: diabetic neuropathy,cervical neuropathy, ionic and hormonal imbalances and vitamin deficiency.
I will advise you see a Neurologist for evaluation.Your Doctor may ask for test like EMG to see how much the nerve and muscles are being affected, fasting blood sugar, serum electrolytes, thyroid function test and vitamin levels depending on orientation from physical examination.
The initial treatment for cubital tunnel syndrome is to avoid actions that cause symptoms: Wrapping a pillow or towel loosely around elbow or wearing a splint at night to keep the elbow from bending, avoiding pressure from leaning on the small finger with elbow bent and the services of a Physiotherapist.Surgery may however be considered in severe cases and this will be decided by your Neurologist.
Hope my answer will help you
Besregards
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What Causes Prolonged Pain And Bruise On The Wrist?

Hi Thanks for posting your query on HCM The symptoms you present suggest a cubital tunnel syndrome.Unlike a carpal tunnel syndrome which produces similar symptoms affecting your thumb and index, middle or ring fingers, cubital tunnel syndrome causes same symptoms in the ring and small fingers.In cubital tunnel syndrome, the symptoms are more pronounced when the elbow is bent as a result of stretching or compression on the ulnar nerve.This is the case with you. Some medical conditions that may however give you such presentations are: diabetic neuropathy,cervical neuropathy, ionic and hormonal imbalances and vitamin deficiency. I will advise you see a Neurologist for evaluation.Your Doctor may ask for test like EMG to see how much the nerve and muscles are being affected, fasting blood sugar, serum electrolytes, thyroid function test and vitamin levels depending on orientation from physical examination. The initial treatment for cubital tunnel syndrome is to avoid actions that cause symptoms: Wrapping a pillow or towel loosely around elbow or wearing a splint at night to keep the elbow from bending, avoiding pressure from leaning on the small finger with elbow bent and the services of a Physiotherapist.Surgery may however be considered in severe cases and this will be decided by your Neurologist. Hope my answer will help you Besregards