If the cause is direct pressure, an elbow pad may protect the nerve from chronic irritation from elbow rests, table tops, etc. Anti-inflammatory medications will help the symptoms, but every effort should be made to eliminate the offending activity. The physical therapist may be able to help evaluate your work situation and suggest modifications. If the symptoms fail to respond to activity modifications and conservative medical treatment, surgery may be required to stop progression of damage to the ulnar nerve. If all other methods fail to reduce your symptoms, surgery may be required to reduce the pressure on the ulnar nerve.
Surgery begins by releasing the ulnar nerve as it passes through the cubital tunnel.
The flexor muscles are then released to make a small pouch to move the nerve into. The nerve is then moved into this pouch and the pouch is closed to create a new tunnel for the ulnar nerve. Another surgical procedure involving the removal of the medial epicondyle , begins by releasing the ulnar nerve as it passes through the cubital tunnel. The flexor muscles are then released from the medial epicondyle. The medial epicondyle is then removed .