Quick Summary
Tingling in the little and ring fingers, especially when your elbow stays bent, may involve the ulnar nerve. We assess sensation, hand strength and daily habits to guide suitable care and recognise when medical review is needed.
Understanding Cubital Tunnel Syndrome
The ulnar nerve passes around the inner elbow through the cubital tunnel. Irritation or compression here can affect the little finger, part of the ring finger and small hand muscles. Similar symptoms can arise elsewhere along the nerve or from the neck.
How we assess your symptoms
We examine symptom distribution, hand function and relevant neck and elbow movement. Persistent sensory change, weakness or muscle loss may warrant nerve tests and hand-specialist assessment. We can help identify less provocative sleeping and working positions.
Do You Experience These Symptoms?
- Intermittent pins and needles in the little and ring fingers.
- Symptoms during phone use, sleep or leaning on the elbow.
- Persistent numbness, reduced dexterity or hand weakness in more advanced cases.
An assessment helps guide your next step, based on your symptoms, health and goals.
A treatment plan built around you
Hands-On Manual Therapy
Gentle work to associated muscles may be appropriate, but direct deep pressure over the ulnar nerve can worsen symptoms. Manual therapy does not replace review of ongoing nerve compression.
Is Shockwave Suitable?
Shockwave is not routinely recommended for cubital tunnel syndrome. Your assessment will guide appropriate rehabilitation, symptom management and whether medical or specialist review is needed. We will explain why each proposed treatment fits your symptoms before you decide whether to proceed.
Targeted Exercise Programme
Activity changes, avoiding prolonged pressure and reducing sustained elbow flexion are discussed. Selected nerve movements are used only if suitable and should not provoke persistent tingling or new weakness.
When to Seek Urgent Medical Help
While most symptoms are not serious, urgent medical attention is required if you experience any of the following:
- Go to A&E immediately after an injury if a joint is deformed or the hand or finger is cold, pale or blue, or has severe loss of sensation. For other severe swelling or inability to use the arm, seek urgent assessment through NHS 111.
- A hot, red, rapidly swollen joint with fever needs urgent medical assessment. Arrange prompt review for persistent numbness, increasing weakness or loss of dexterity.
Your questions answered
Why does it wake me at night?
Keeping the elbow tightly bent can increase irritation. Your clinician may suggest a comfortable strategy to limit prolonged bending, with splint advice if needed.
Is it the same as carpal tunnel syndrome?
No. Carpal tunnel involves the median nerve at the wrist and usually affects the thumb-side fingers. Finger distribution and examination help identify the likely source.
Which appointment should I book?
Choose a Physiotherapy Initial Assessment for new, persistent or uncertain symptoms. We will assess what is limiting you, explain the options and agree the next steps. If you already have a diagnosis, bring any relevant scan report or specialist advice.
Visit J&J Therapy on the ground floor of CI Tower, New Malden. Book an assessment or call our reception team on 07935 869938 if you are unsure which service to choose.
Related conditions
Carpal tunnel syndrome · Golfer’s elbow
Sources and further reading
This page is for general information only and does not replace professional medical advice.
Information updated 15 October 2026. General information to support informed choices; it is not a diagnosis or a personalised treatment plan. Suitability and any need for referral are assessed individually. Seek urgent medical help for the warning signs listed above.