Possible Ulnar nerve entrapment syndrome

Dear Ask The Doctor: I have numbness in my left wrist pinky to my middle finger its like the reverse of carpel tunnel if i put my elbow strait up and down it shoots pain to my hand this has been going on over a year

Dear Chris: According to your description, you are experiencing most likely an inflammation of the Ulnar nerve (neuritis), this may be happening  because of its superficial position at the elbow, it is often injured by excessive pressure in this area (leaning on the elbow during work, sleeping or while driving a car) or can be compressed at the wrist level. The symptoms of ulnar nerve entrapment can vary from mild transient numbness in the ring and small fingers to clawing of these digits and severe muscle atrophy of the hand muscles, also may report severe pain at the elbow or wrist with radiation into the hand or up into the shoulder and neck. Some individuals may have a hard time in opening jars or turning doorknobs. Early fatigue or weakness may be present if doing a work that requires repetitive hand movements. If you rest on the elbows at work, increasing numbness may appear throughout the day. The suggested conservative treatment consist of: avoid resting on elbows at work, using elbows to lift the body from bed, and resting elbows on car windows while driving, using an anterior elbow extension splinting (if necessary), and correction of ergonomics at work should correct the transient numbness. Anti-inflammatory medications also are useful to relieve nerve irritation. Oral vitamin B-6 supplements may be helpful for mild symptoms. This treatment should be done out for 6-12 weeks, depending on the response. Surgical intervention is indicated if symptoms get worse despite adequate conservative treatment.