Cubital Tunnel Syndrome Ayurvedic Treatment

Compression of ulnar nerve (the nerve which passes from neck to arms and fingers) within cubital fossa/ elbow causes cubital tunnel syndrome or ulnar nerve entrapment. Ulnar nerve is responsible for sensations over arms, forearms, and fingers, as well as movements of arms and fingers. It passes through cubital tunnel that travels under medial epicondyle (a bony projection inside elbow joint) and then runs downwards through the side of little finger. This syndrome affects more those who have arthritis, previous injury or dislocation of elbow, bone spur etc. The possible reasons of cubital tunnel syndrome are thickening of the soft tissues over the nerve resulting in ulnar nerve compression, pressure on elbow, overstretching the elbow often happens during sleep by bending the elbow etc. 

Cubital Tunnel Syndrome Signs and Symptoms

 Cubital tunnel syndrome is confirmed if the following symptoms persist for more than 6 weeks or severe- difficulty to move the fingers when they are numb, recurrent episodes of numbness over hands and fingers, pain inside elbow, etc when the elbow is flexed (eg: during a phone call or sleep). 

Cubital Tunnel Syndrome Ayurvedic Analysis

Vatavyadhi is the condition characterised by pain, restricted joint movements, numbness etc due to problems of nerves, joints, bones, muscles and associated structures. Injury to Koorparamarma (elbow joint) also causes these symptoms. 

Cubital Tunnel Syndrome Causative Factors (Ayurveda)

Trauma, excessive joint movement, obesity etc are the major causes of both vatavyadhi and injury to marma. Other factors contributing to aggravation of vata are excess intake hot/ bitter/ astringent/ light food, skipping of meals, altered sleep pattern etc. 

Possible Complications of Cubital Tunnel Syndrome Disease

The major complication of cubital tunnel syndrome is muscle wasting (atrophy). 

Other systemic diseases and precautions to be taken

Consider other conditions like arthritis, diabetes, obesity etc before planning treatment. 

Cubital Tunnel Syndrome Disease Management with Ayurveda Treatment

Internal medicines are given to pacify aggravated vata. Procedures like rukshalepana (external application of pasted medicines over the affected part to remove ama if present), upanaha (local sudation by bandaging the elbow with suitable medicines), agnikarma (cauterisation), nasya (nasal instillation of medicine) etc along with physiotherapy, yoga etc are also provided. 

Diet

Avoid the consumption of cold/ dry/ light food, tubers, peas, curd etc. Include more whole grains, green vegetables, sweet fruits, nuts, milk as per the advice of physician. 

Exercise

Mild to moderate exercises, yoga etc are beneficial to relieve the nerve compression and enable joint movement. 

Cubital Tunnel Syndrome Preventive Aspects in Ayurveda

• Regular exercise is important.
• Maintain healthy body weight.
• Avoid pressure on elbow (eg: leaning on elbow, sleeping on bended elbow, pressing elbow over arm-rest of chairs). 
• Do not flex the elbow for a long time. 
• Avoid chances of trauma or injuries to elbow joint. 

Importance of Diet

Select the right food in order to avoid vatavruddhi (aggravation of vata). Sticking on to a healthy diet can prevent the condition as well as promote its cure. 

Lifestyle

• Avoid sedentary habit.

• Exercise regularly.

• Maintain healthy body weight.

• Avoid excessive bending and compression of elbow joint.

• Apply suitable oil over the joint and massage gently.

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