Have you ever experienced a tingling sensation in your elbow when you accidentally bumped it into a wall or a table? Did you feel a vibrating pain or temporary discomfort? If yes, then you might have bumped into the ‘funny bone.’ Contrary to its name, it is neither funny nor a bone, but the jolting pain sensations may make you wonder why it occurs in the first place. Therefore, the OnlyMyHealth team, in an interaction with Dr Vinay Kumar Gautam, Consultant - Orthopaedics, Manipal Hospital, Kharadi, Pune, tries to find out the same.
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What Causes Tingling And Pain In The Elbows When Bumped?
Bumping into the "funny bone" may lead to tingling and pain in the elbows because the ulnar nerve presses against the bone, says Dr Gautam, adding, “When the ulnar nerve, particularly located near the elbow's surface, gets compressed, it can cause a severe, shock-like pain that goes down the forearm.”
According to the doctor, the sensation is caused by a brief disruption of the nerve, which causes tingling and numbness in the hand and forearm, especially in the ring and little fingers.
The ulnar nerve is a nerve that controls the movements and feelings in your hand, ring finger, and pinky finger. When it gets squeezed or compressed, it is called ulnar nerve entrapment, which can be caused by several factors.
These include tendonitis from overuse from repetitive motions like grasping or raising (e.g., tennis elbow, golfer's elbow), according to Dr Gautam.
He says, “Direct trauma from accidents or falls can be problematic. Elbow stiffness and pain are common symptoms of arthritis, including rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis. In cases of nerve compression, including cubital tunnel syndrome, tingling and pain are the outcomes. Elbow function can also be significantly impacted by fractures or dislocations, as well as bursitis, an inflammation of the bursa.”
Common Symptoms Other Than A ‘Funny Bone’
Along with pain and tingling, elbow issues can also be identified through other symptoms. These include:
- Swelling, which may restrict motion
- Stiffness, which makes it difficult to move the joint
- Weakness, leading to a reduction in arm or hand strength
“One important indication is prolonged weakness, especially on the ring and little fingers. Redness and warmth around the elbow indicate an infection or inflammation. These symptoms may indicate more serious underlying medical conditions that need to be treated and might make daily tasks challenging,” says Dr Gautam.
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Diagnosis And Treatment
If you have repeated problems with your elbow, it is important to get it examined by an orthopaedic specialist. Leaving it untreated can lead to further complications, such as chronic pain, which lowers quality of life while rendering daily tasks difficult, says the doctor.
To diagnose your condition, you can undergo imaging tests like X-rays, MRIs, or CT scans, along with physical examinations to evaluate pain and range of motion.
While blood tests can detect conditions like rheumatoid arthritis or infection, nerve conduction investigations assess nerve activity, notes Dr Gautam, adding that bracing, splinting, medicine (anti-inflammatory drugs, pain relievers, corticosteroid injections), physical therapy, rest, and activity adjustment are some of the available treatment options.
“Surgery can be required in extreme circumstances to restore damaged tissues or release nerve compression,” he adds.
He concludes by recommending ergonomic changes, like using the correct form when performing tasks, and regular elbow muscle conditioning to prevent episodes with the funny bone.