Treatment of a pinched nerve in the elbow joint. Treatment of occipital neuralgia. What diseases does burdock treat?

Neuritis ulnar nerve is an inflammatory process various etiologies, which affects the peripheral nerve fibers and is manifested by pain, numbness, loss of function of the innervated muscles; - treatment is complex and includes medication and physiotherapy.

Etiology

The ulnar nerve originates from brachial plexus together with the radial, descends down the medial side of the shoulder and passes through the posterior surface of the medial epicondyle to the forearm and hand. He carries nerve impulses to the deep muscles of the flexors of the hand and fingers, is responsible for the work of the muscles of the little finger and brings the index, ring fingers and little finger to the middle. The most common diseases that affect this nerve are neuritis and neuralgia.

Ulnar neuritis is considered a disease of people who spend most of their time in the office. This is due to the fact that such workers are used to leaning on the elbow and can eventually injure the ulnar nerve, which does not run deep in this place.

Near the ulnar nerve passes the radial, which can also be affected with prolonged compression, for example, during sleep. That's why clinical picture may resemble neuralgia of the radial and ulnar nerves at the same time.

Other causes include any infectious agent, hypothermia, damage nervous tissue toxic substances including chronic alcohol consumption. Special place occupies post-traumatic neuritis.

Also some somatic diseases can cause neuritis. For example, diabetes mellitus, insufficient hormone production thyroid gland.

Manifestations

In microbial 10, neuritis and neuropathy are not distinguished separately. Both of these conditions are included in the definition of ulnar nerve disease.

Neuritis of the ulnar nerve is manifested by numbness of the arm in the part that is innervated by this nerve. This symptom is short-lived and may be replaced by a tingling or burning sensation in the area. Numbness can be complete or partial and sometimes ends with convulsions.

There is also a marked decrease in activity.
in the injured arm, up to the onset of paralysis. It is difficult for the patient to bend the arm in the hand, he finds it difficult to bring the fingers to each other. These symptoms are explained not only by a decrease in innervation, but also by a violation of tissue trophism. Further after the adequate treatment I can be residual effects in the form of reduced reflexes or muscle weakness.

Also, malnutrition is manifested by swelling, blue skin, local hair loss and increased fragility of nails. This is due to tissue malnutrition and the treatment of diseases of the ulnar nerve should include measures aimed at eliminating these symptoms.

The pathognomonic symptom is the drooping of the hand, as well as the inability to bend the fingers into a fist. On examination, the hand looks like this: the fourth and third fingers are bent, the little finger is set aside.

If the patient's main symptom is pain and impaired movement, and there are no autonomic disorders, then we can talk about neuralgia of the ulnar nerve. Pain and numbness in most cases is present in the little finger and ring finger.

Diagnostics

In order to make a diagnosis of ulnar neuritis
nerve and treat it, in addition to an external examination and anamnesis, you can ask the patient to perform a few simple steps.

• The patient should press the palm with spread fingers to the surface of the table and try to scratch it with the little finger. A person with inflammation of the ulnar nerve will not be able to do this;
• Also, the patient cannot fulfill the request to spread his fingers in different directions;
• With inflammation of the ulnar nerve, you cannot fully bend your fist and squeeze a piece of paper with two fingers.

These simple tests help to accurately determine the damage to the nerve. Differential diagnosis must be carried out with a lesion of the radial nerve. If it is damaged, the patient's hand hangs down and cannot be straightened on its own. Also with neuralgia of the radial nerve thumb brought to the index and there is a disorder in the sensitivity of the first three fingers of the hand.

Also as additional method diagnostics, electromyography can be performed to determine the degree of muscle damage.

Therapy Methods

Treatment of neuritis of the ulnar nerve can begin with the restoration of fixation of the hand with the help of a plaster splint, while the arm remains in a bent state and is hung behind the neck in a scarf.

Also, treatment should be aimed at eliminating the cause that caused inflammation of the nerve. It is necessary to prescribe antiviral or antibacterial drugs at infectious diseases. In violation of blood circulation and tissue trophism, papaverine is used.

As in the treatment of any disease of the nervous tissue, B vitamins and potassium-sparing diuretics are prescribed to relieve swelling.

A special place in the treatment of neuritis and neuralgia is given to physiotherapeutic restorative procedures. They are aimed at improving the trophism of the nervous tissue and maintaining the tone of the muscles of the forearm and wrist.

From the second week of drug treatment, it is worth prescribing electrophoresis with medicinal substances, UHF and impulse currents.

The doctor must also teach the patient the technique of self-massage, which can be done independently at home. You need to start with rubbing the phalanges of the fingers, flexion and extension movements in the joints of the fingers and hand.

For preventive and restorative purposes, it is desirable to avoid hypothermia, repeated exposure to a traumatic agent. People who work in the office should try to lead less sedentary image life and introduce active breaks into your life (a short walk, office gymnastics).

Neuritis is a disease of inflammatory origin, in which the peripheral part is damaged. nervous system.

The disease can cover either one nerve or several. In the latter case we are talking about polyneuritis. The extent of the lesion depends on the cause of the pathology.

Modern medicine distinguishes neuritis depending on the area of ​​​​impact of its cause, as well as the location nerve ending:

1. cochlear neuritis,
2. neuritis of the facial nerve,
3. intercostal neuritis and other varieties.

Regardless of which nerve is affected, the main symptoms common to all neuritis are distinguished. The most common symptoms:

• pain syndrome in the region of nerve endings,
• sensitivity disorder,
• downgrade muscle strength in certain areas of the joint or the whole body.

Neuritis of the ulnar nerve is a disease that many people know firsthand.

Among all varieties of neuritis, inflammation of the ulnar nerve is in second place in terms of prevalence.

Factors predetermining neuritis

The development of neuritis determines several factors at once, but sometimes, one specific cause can be identified, which facilitates treatment. Most often, neuritis appears due to such factors:

• prolonged general or local hypothermia of the joint or body,
• traumatic lesions of the nerve or bone. Neuritis can develop when a nerve is pinched. neuritis of the elbow joint, a fracture of the internal humeral epicondyle and condyle can be diagnosed,
• vascular pathologies that contribute to a decrease in blood circulation, which means that the nerve does not receive the necessary nutrition,
• infectious agents: pathogens of influenza, measles, diphtheria, typhoid fever, herpes or brucellosis,
• thyroid dysfunction, diabetes mellitus and other endocrine pathologies,
• hypovitaminosis caused by a lack of trace elements and vitamins,
• alcohol intoxication and poisoning with mercury, lead or arsenic,
• hernia intervertebral discs, osteochondrosis,

Congenital or acquired features of the structure of the musculoskeletal canal (a nerve passes through its cavity).

The ulnar nerve is connected to the ulnar sulcus, where it is compressed by an arch located between the joint flexors.

Compression of the nerve trunk along with characteristic symptoms. These conditions may occur during sleep awkward position joint, with a sharp change in posture or during surgery in this area.

Most often, ulnar neuritis develops due to long work when the elbows rest on the armrests, table or machine.

Clinic of neuritis of the ulnar nerve

Symptoms and their intensity in neuritis directly depends on the level of functional load of the affected nerve and the area that it innervates. The nerves of the peripheral nervous system, for the most part, consist of motor, sensory and autonomic fibers. Neuritis suggests the presence of the following symptoms:

1. Change in sensitivity, which manifests itself as paresthesia (tingling) or numbness; increase in the threshold of sensitivity; loss of tactile perception
2. Change motor activity with the development of paralysis and complete immobilization of a certain part of the body or paresis with a decrease in motor activity. The essence of the process is a decrease in the strength of those muscles that innervate the affected nerve. In the future, muscle atrophy, disappearance or decrease in tendon reflexes may develop.
3. Vegetative disorders in combination with trophic changes. Almost always, the patient has blue skin, hair loss in certain areas of the head, depigmentation, swelling, increased sweating, trophic ulcers, fragility of nails.

The symptoms listed above may appear on early stages neuritis or if the treatment is incorrect.

characteristic clinical manifestation act pain which can be quite intense. With the disease, there are also a number of symptoms characteristic of a particular area of ​​​​the body.

There are the main symptoms by which neuritis of the elbow joint can be identified:

1. paresthesia,
2. decreased sensitivity of the palmar surface in the region of half of the fourth and full fifth fingers,
3. lesion of the dorsal surface of half of the third and complete fourth and fifth fingers.

Inflammation is also characterized by weakness of the abductor and adductor muscles of the fourth and fifth fingers.

There is a high probability of hypotrophy or atrophy of the muscles that are on the little finger and thumb; the vermiform and interosseous muscles of the hand may be damaged.

Atrophic processes over time modify the palm, making it flat.

Treatment of ulnar neuritis

The main point of treatment is to identify the cause and eliminate it for a short time. If an infectious process is present, then treatment involves taking antibacterial drugs, to which pathogens are sensitive. The use of antiviral drugs is also indicated.

Neuritis may appear as a result of vascular pathology with impaired local circulation and the formation of ischemia. In this case, the doctor prescribes vasodilators such as papaverine.

With a traumatic origin of neuritis of the ulnar nerve, immobilization of the limb is necessary. To reduce activity inflammatory process the doctor prescribes non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, for example, diclofenac or indomethacin. With severe pain, painkillers are prescribed.

Auxiliary treatment is expressed in the intake of B vitamins and diuretic agents to reduce swelling. As soon as the inflammatory process and pain begin to decrease, it is necessary to add anticholinesterase agents, including prozerin. The use of biogenic stimulants, for example, lidase, is shown.

A complete treatment of neuritis includes physiotherapy. They are best started from the second week of treatment. The following types of physiotherapy have shown effectiveness:

• ultraphonophoresis with hydrocortisone,
• electrophoresis with prozerin, lidase and novocaine,
• impulse currents.

If necessary, the use of electrical stimulation of the affected muscles is indicated.

Fairly effective physiotherapy and massage. Data remedial measures can speed up the recovery of damaged muscles. Physical exercises can be started from the second day after fixing the arm with a bandage. Until this time, doctors recommend doing gymnastics in the water.

Therapeutic massage to eliminate the effects of neuritis, characterized by massaging the phalanges of the fingers. As a rule, massage begins with the development of the thumb.

In addition, extension and flexion of the interphalangeal joints are performed to improve blood circulation and eliminate congestion. In addition, the effect demonstrates the product of circular movements and finger abduction.

Neuritis of the elbow joint may appear after its compression in the musculoskeletal canal. This usually leads to the development tunnel syndrome.

In this case, local administration of drugs into this channel is necessary. Treatment involves taking painkillers and hormonal drugs to reduce swelling, pain and stop the inflammatory process.

Neuralgia occipital nerve manifests itself in the form of a group of symptoms that arise as a result of damage to the nerve fibers of the cervical plexus. Most often, in patients who are diagnosed with this, the lesion is the large occipital nerve. But there are cases when the pathology extends to the large ear, small occipital nerve.

• What is a disease?
• Neuralgia of the occipital nerve: symptoms and treatment
  • Symptoms of neuralgia
• Treatment occipital neuralgia
  • Features of the treatment of neuralgia
• Treatment with medications
• Surgery
• Occipital neuralgia: treatment at home
• Conclusion

Regardless of the forms of the disease, which have their own unique symptoms, every neurologist is well aware of them. Specialists highlight common feature similar pathologies, which is the constant occipital pain, but at the same time, degenerative lesions of brain cells often occur simultaneously with it.

What is a disease?

Under the neuralgia of the occipital nerve, it is customary to understand the inflammatory process associated with the defeat of several cervical nerves, which is caused by a number of reasons:

The neuralgia of the occipital nerve, diagnosed in the elderly, has its own characteristics. Often this disease develops against the background of metabolic disorders - encephalitis, meningitis, inflammatory processes circulatory system, diabetes, gout.

Neuralgia of the occipital nerve: symptoms and treatment

The occipital nerve is one of important elements human body. With the development of pathological processes in it, experts call severe pain as the main symptom. To confirm this diagnosis, it is necessary to detect several manifestations pain syndrome:

With the development of neuralgia of the occipital nerve, patients most often complain of sharp pains at sharp turn head, head movements with recoil in over- and subclavian artery and a spatula. Sometimes appear discomfort In eyes.

At the site of manifestation of the occipital innervation, there are signs of polyhyperesthesia, which provokes increased irritation. nerve fiber. In some cases, pain symptoms are unilateral. The disease can affect both sides if the pathology affects several groups of nerve fibers at once.

At similar condition the level of sensitivity of the skin increases by an order of magnitude, so any slight touch can cause an acute pain attack.

Symptoms of neuralgia

This disease is characterized by the following main symptoms:

Most of the symptoms that occur with occipital neuralgia resemble a migraine.

Treatment of occipital neuralgia

Before choosing a treatment program for occipital nerve neuralgia, a specialist must confirm the diagnosis based on the symptoms of the disease. It is customary to distinguish two main forms of nosology:

• primary;
• Secondary.

The primary form is characterized by the absence of pronounced prerequisites for the development of pathology. Therefore, according to the results of the survey, it is not possible to detect etiological factors.

Secondary occipital neuralgia is diagnosed when there are clear signs pathology cervical spine. It manifests itself in the form of inflammation, swelling or damage that provokes the infringement of the cervical nerves, leading to dangerous clinical symptoms.

Features of the treatment of neuralgia

At the disposal of specialists there are two ways of influencing the disease:

• conservative;
• Surgical.

In the first case, an appointment anticonvulsants, which complement a number of therapeutic measures:

The blockade of the nosological form with the use of steroid and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs has proven itself best in the treatment of this disease:

1. Hydrocortisone;
2. Dexamethasone;
3. Methylpred.

This procedure is carried out if the medications do not live up to expectations. It should be noted that after the blockade, adverse reactions occur, and complications are not excluded. If after the surgical operation adverse reactions organism is not observed, then a decision is made to conduct a repeated complex of surgical measures.

Even with long-term treatment using several methods of influencing the disease, it is not guaranteed that the procedures prescribed by the doctor will help to completely recover from occipital neuralgia.

Treatment with medications

On the initial stage when signs of inflammation are present, the patient is prescribed pharmaceuticals designed to eliminate unpleasant symptoms and thereby improve the quality of life. Therefore, when choosing medicines the emphasis is on relieving pain. This problem is solved with the help of the following drugs:

• Sulindak;
• Ketorolac;
• Naproxen.

To eliminate muscle spasms, muscle relaxants are prescribed - sirdalud, midokalm. With strong pain, they fight with the help of thermal procedures on the cervical-occipital part. Acupuncture and massage are used to relieve muscle tension.

Treatment of pronounced pain is carried out with the help of antiepileptic drugs - clonazepam, gabapentin, carbamazepine. Also, as part of therapy, the use of antidepressants - amitriptyline, duloxetine is indicated. Considering that each of the drugs has its own side effects, they must be taken in accordance with the recommendations of the attending physician.

For patients in whom the disease proceeds in a pronounced form, are prescribed novocaine blockades that are injected into painful areas. In some cases, it may be decided to use steroid hormones allowing local elimination of neurological manifestations.

A positive effect can be achieved with the help of physiotherapy procedures. To relieve the symptoms of neuralgia of the occipital nerve, the following methods are used:

• Physiotherapy;
• Massage;
• acupuncture;
• Spinal traction;
• Ultrasound therapy;
• Laser treatment.

Comprehensive treatment with the help of the above procedures allows you to remove inflammation and pain. To enhance the therapeutic effect, it is recommended to use physiotherapy in conjunction with medicines. However, all this does not guarantee that it will be possible to remove neurological manifestations in a short time.

Even with integrated approach treatment, one cannot be sure that the discomfort will not bother the patient for a long time. The main effort should be directed towards eliminating main reason diseases. Only this allows us to calculate that the nosological form will be permanently eliminated.

The decision to proceed with the operation is made by rare cases, the basis for this is the presence of a tumor or injury of the cervical spine.

Surgery

In some cases, methods conservative treatment may be ineffective in eliminating the symptoms of the disease. In this case, the possibility of carrying out the operation is considered:

• Occipital neurostimulation at the exit site of the nerve. The essence of the treatment is the use of an electrode that is applied to the affected area, thereby activating the conduction of electrical impulses. Correct Definition voltage and current helps to completely relieve attacks of pain. This method surgical intervention involves placing a special transmitter under the skin of the cervical region. The doctor is required to determine the optimal range of exposure, so that as a result of such treatment, the patient does not feel discomfort in the treatment area;
• Microvascular decompression - allows you to normalize the pressure in the occipital nerve. This method of exposure can significantly reduce the manifestations pain symptoms with illness.

At the same time, other methods of treatment can be used, but most often, specialists prefer the above methods because of their high efficiency.

Occipital neuralgia: treatment at home

As part of the prescribed treatment program for occipital neuralgia, it is recommended to use not only drugs, but also lotions and decoctions that relieve inflammation well.

Regardless of origin neurological manifestations even the use of folk remedies does not guarantee positive result. Usually, herbal preparations shown in combination with medications.

To date, the main treatment can be supplemented with the following effective folk recipes:

You can count on the fact that the above recipes will bring relief only if they complement drug treatment. Neglect conservative methods treatment is unacceptable, since only means traditional medicine will not help relieve the symptoms of neuralgia. The optimal effect occurs when a reasonable combination of all available methods treatment of the disease.

Conclusion

Neuralgia of the occipital nerve is dangerous to health with its symptoms, which can disrupt the usual way of life of any person. It is wrong in such situations to count on the fact that folk remedies can help. This is one of those rare diseases, in which symptoms can be eliminated only with an integrated approach.

Therefore, at the heart of the treatment of neuralgia, the stake should be placed on taking medications to be selected by the attending physician. Folk remedies allowed to be used as additional measure that help enhance healing effect. How independent method treatment, they cannot eliminate the cause of the disease. Therefore, if you suspect this disease, you should immediately see a doctor.

The ulnar nerve originates from the internal bundle of the brachial plexus and ends at the hand. Consists of motor and sensory nerves. pinched nerve in elbow joint gradually atrophies, in other words, decreases in volume and gradually loses its functions, which entails a decrease in the mobility of the hand and fingers itself.

Neuropathy of the ulnar nerve, as a rule, is a consequence of compression of the area of ​​the elbow joint. Usually this phenomenon affects people who often lean on their hands. hard surface(for example, on a table, machine or workbench). Is it work related or just a bad habit.

What does it threaten?

With ulnar neuritis, numbness and paresthesia of the fingers and the entire hand occur. A neglected disease can lead to muscle atrophy, which will not allow the fingers to unbend. In the future, due to the lack of muscle strength in the fingers, the hand will look like a "bird's foot". Therefore, the treatment of pinched ulnar nerve should not be postponed.

Diagnosis of pinched ulnar nerve

If ulnar neuritis is suspected, the following tests can be performed:

1. Middle, ring and index fingers do not fully bend when trying to clench the hand into a fist
2. If you press your palm tightly against the table, then it will be impossible to bend the little finger
3. In the same position, it is impossible to spread and bring fingers together

Pinched nerve in hand, severe pain: treatment

With a diagnosis of pinched ulnar nerve, treatment is usually prescribed as a sanatorium or inpatient treatment. After all examinations, a course of treatment with B vitamins, antioxidants, dehydration, vascular therapy, anticholinesterase drugs.

Physiobalneotherapy, physiotherapy exercises, massage, as well as acupuncture, nerve and muscle stimulation will also be used as a treatment.

There are times when it is required surgical intervention, for example, if the conduction along the nerve is completely impaired. In other words, the integrity of the nerve is violated. Another indication for surgery is Guyon's syndrome - endoscopic decompression.

For get well soon after applying a fixing bandage, exercise therapy is done on the second day. However, before doing special gymnastics in the water, and also apply massage. Each phalanx of the finger must be worked out by a massage therapist or by the patient himself. You should start with the thumb. It is necessary to unbend and bend the fingers with the help of a healthy hand or a massage therapist.

Exercises for neuritis of the ulnar nerve

1. The hand is placed on the table and rests on the elbow, the forearm is strictly perpendicular to the table. The thumb is lowered down, and the index finger is raised up, then the same should be done, only in reverse. Do 10 repetitions.
2. With the same starting position lowered down forefinger, and the middle one is raised up and vice versa. According to this principle, it is necessary to work out each finger 10 times.

These exercises must be performed 2 times a day, adding gymnastics to them in water, dipping your hands into a container of water.

Gymnastics in water with a pinched ulnar nerve is as follows:

1. Squeeze the middle phalanges of the fingers with a healthy hand, achieving their full straightening, do 10 repetitions.
2. Raise and lower alternately each of the fingers of a healthy hand, starting with the thumb and ending with the little finger. Do 10 times.
3. In turn, with the help of a healthy hand, take each finger back, starting with the thumb. Also 10 times.
4. commit circular motions each of the fingers in both directions. Repeat 10 times.
5. Lower and raise four fingers, except for the thumb, trying to straighten them in the main phalanges. Do 10 times.
6. Try to catch rubber objects in the water different sizes and then compress them.

After partial restoration of movements, the development fine motor skills continue with the help of modeling from clay or plasticine, by capturing small objects. Additionally, you can apply the methods of traditional medicine.

Pinched ulnar nerve: alternative treatment

Any neuritis responds well to treatment with dry heat, that is, a heating pad. As it, you can use heated salt, cereals, sand, a loaf of bread. Warming up will help severe pain. Rubbing is also very effective. For example, you can insist on 200 ml of vodka 20 small bay leaves, close tightly and put in a dark, cool place. You can use after three days. The effect will come after the first application. In addition, you can prepare a tincture on potato sprouts. A glass of sprouts is poured into 0.5 liters of vodka and infused for two weeks. Rub it in the morning, then put on a bandage and wear it until the evening.

Despite the effectiveness folk recipes, should not be completely replaced by traditional medicine. Do not self-medicate!

Neuritis refers to diseases of an inflammatory nature, involving the process of the peripheral part of the nervous system. The disease can cover both one nerve in isolation, and several at the same time. In this case, it is customary to talk about polyneuritis. The extent of the lesion depends on the cause of the pathological process.

Depending on the place of influence of the provoking factor and the localization of the nerve ending, it is customary to distinguish neuritis of the ulnar nerve, facial, intercostal, peroneal nerve, and many others.

Regardless of the affected nerve, it is still possible to identify the main symptoms inherent in all neuritis. Among them, the most common is pain in the localization of the nerve ending, a change in the threshold of sensitivity, a decrease in strength in the muscles of certain parts of the body.

Neuritis of the ulnar nerve affects enough a large number of of people. Among all neuritis, the defeat of this nerve is in second place.

Predisposing factors to the occurrence of neuritis

Several factors may be involved in the development of neuritis at the same time, however, in some situations, it is possible to identify a specific cause. Thus, the following provoking factors are most often observed:

Clinical manifestations of ulnar neuritis

Clinical symptoms and intensity of manifestations of neuritis depend on the degree of functional load of the affected nerve, the severity of the lesion and the area innervated by this nerve. Most of nerves of the peripheral part of the nervous system consists of fibers of sensory, motor and vegetative species. As a result, the following symptoms are noted:

1. Changes in sensory sensations, which can be manifested by numbness, paresthesia (tingling or "goosebumps"), an increase in the threshold of sensitivity, or a complete loss of tactile perceptions;
2. Change in motor activity with the development of paralysis with complete immobilization of a certain part of the body or paresis - with a partial decrease motor ability. At the core this process lies a decrease in strength in the muscles that are innervated by the affected nerve. In the future, their atrophy, decrease or disappearance of tendon reflexes is possible.
3. Vegetative disorders with trophic changes, manifested by the appearance of puffiness, blue skin, local hair loss, depigmentation, increased sweating, brittle nails and the appearance of trophic ulcers.

These symptoms may occur at the onset of neuritis or later. advanced stages. However, pain syndrome is an integral clinical manifestation. different intensity, as well as specific symptoms for each specific area of ​​the body.

Neuritis of the elbow joint will include symptoms such as the appearance of paresthesia and a decrease in the sensitivity of the palmar surface of the hand in the area of ​​​​half of the 4th and full 5th fingers. In addition, half of the 3rd and completely the 4th and 5th fingers are affected on the back surface.

Also, the disease is characterized by weakness of the adductor and abductor muscles of the 4th and 5th fingers. Further, malnutrition or atrophy of the muscles elevating the little finger and thumb, and the interosseous, worm-like muscles of the hand, may develop. As a result of atrophic processes, the palm looks flat.

The brush with neuritis of the ulnar nerve outwardly resembles a "clawed paw", since the joints on both sides of the middle finger phalanges are bent, and the rest are unbent.

In addition, along the location of the ulnar nerve, it may be infringed in certain anatomical areas (musculoskeletal canals) with the development of carpal tunnel syndrome.

Diagnostic criteria for ulnar neuritis

To diagnose the disease, certain tests specific to ulnar neuritis are used:

• to determine the level of damage, it is necessary to clench the hand into a fist, after which the 4th, 5th and partially 3rd fingers will not be able to fully bend to form a fist;
• if you press the brush tightly against a flat surface, for example, a table, then with the little finger it is impossible to carry out scratching movements on this surface;
• in addition, in this position it is not possible to spread and adduct fingers, especially the 4th and 5th;
• an attempt to hold the paper with the straightened 1st finger ends in failure, since there is no flexion of the distal phalanx. As a result of damage to the median nerve, innervated long flexor of the 1st finger, this function is not available.

Therapeutic tactics for neuritis of the ulnar nerve

The main direction in the treatment of the disease is the identification of the cause and its elimination in the near future. If there is infectious process antibacterial drugs are used, to which sensitive pathogenic flora and antiviral drugs.

If the cause of neuritis is vascular pathology with impaired local circulation and the development of ischemia, then it is recommended to use vasodilators (papaverine).

With a traumatic genesis of neuritis of the ulnar nerve, mobilization of the limb is necessary. To reduce the activity of the inflammatory process, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs are used - indomethacin, diclofenac. With severe pain syndrome, analgesics are used.

To adjuvant therapy include B vitamins and decongestants with a diuretic effect. As the severity of the process decreases, anticholinesterase drugs, in particular prozerin, should be added, and biogenic stimulants(lidase).

Comprehensive treatment of neuritis involves the inclusion of physiotherapy procedures. It is advisable to start using them from the second week. Ultraphonophoresis with hydrocortisone, electrophoresis with novocaine, lidase and prozerin, UHF and pulsed currents are widely used. If necessary, electrical stimulation of the affected muscles should be used.

In addition, massage and physiotherapy exercises have proven their effect, due to which the groups of affected muscles are restored. Occupation exercise it is necessary to start from the second day after fixing the limb with a bandage. Prior to this, it is recommended to do gymnastics in the water.

Massage consists in massaging each phalanx of the fingers, starting with the big one. In addition, flexion and extension of all interphalangeal joints should be performed in order to activate blood circulation and eliminate congestion. Circular movements and finger abductions are also effective.

If ulnar nerve neuritis has arisen due to its compression in the musculoskeletal canal with the development of carpal tunnel syndrome, then it is advisable to use local administration of drugs directly into this canal. In this case, hormonal and analgesic drugs are necessary to reduce swelling, pain and the activity of the inflammatory process.

Surgical treatment is necessary when the nerve is compressed in order to decompress it. In the case of a long-term inflammatory process, destructive phenomena are observed, as a result, surgical intervention is recommended. It is based on the stitching of the affected nerve, and in more neglected forms - its plastic.

Thus, with the correct timely diagnosis and effective treatment ulnar neuritis has a favorable outcome. Treatment and rehabilitation take a total of more than two months. In the future, to prevent re-damage or neuritis of another nerve, it is recommended to avoid injuries, hypothermia and control the state of concomitant pathology.

Why do elbow joints hurt?

Represents numbness or decreased mobility of the fingers and hand. In the process of infringement, a person experiences pain penetrating the current in the area of ​​\u200b\u200bthe hand, gradually this leads to atrophy of the muscles of the hand and impaired functionality.

The sensitivity of the brush is significantly reduced or disappears altogether. This ailment in medicine, it is referred to as neuropathy of the elbow joint. For reasons of origin, a pinched nerve in the elbow joint is divided into types:

• post-traumatic;
• compression.

The first type of neuropathy may appear as a result of complete or partial lesion elbow joint. This pathology appears due to a lateral or anterior dislocation of the joint, which touches the olecranon and breaks it. Also, the precursor of pinching can be stretching, tearing, subluxation, which will have the same outcome.

The second type is a consequence of pinching and inflammation in the narrow canals of the elbow joint, for example, cubital or Guyon. This outcome can be caused by swelling, changes connective tissue, inflammation in the canal.

Precursors of infringement are various diseases and pathological processes in the body. Among them are:

1. Change in the structure or shape of the bone, restructuring of the connective tissue on the walls of the site in the process of fracture healing.
2. Tissue neoplasms due to genetic changes.
3. rheumatoid arthritis, pain during movements.
4. Destruction or thinning of the articular tissue of the cartilage, deforming arthrosis, violation of the joint capsule, the appearance of neoplasms in the joint cavity.
5. Withdrawal of the little finger due to muscle compression.
6. Inflammatory process in the synovial sheath of the tendon, which leads to swelling and thickening of the tendon sheaths.

It can be provoked by various manipulations performed for fractures, sprains. This may be due to the reduction of dislocation, skeletal traction or restoration of bone by particles and fragments.

Symptoms of the disease

Pinching is characterized by various signs, and they depend on the severity of the injury. If a large-scale tear has occurred in the elbow joint, the symptoms may be as follows:

• the complete absence of voluntary movements of the muscles of the fingers, as well as the muscles responsible for flexion and extension of the fingers;
• lack of sensitivity and numbness of the skin of the fingers. The little finger and ring finger, or half of it, are mostly affected;
• paralysis of the muscles located between the bones, in the area of ​​\u200b\u200bthe transition from the palm to the fingers. This paralysis is called claw toe syndrome.

The pinched nerve partial damage can cause the following symptoms:

• weakness of the muscles of the hand in the area of ​​​​the hand;
• complete or partial loss of sensation in the little finger and ring finger, there may be numbness;
• tingling on skin palms of the affected hand;
• pain in the elbow, forearm and hand, discomfort when moving;
• weakening of the muscles and a decrease in their volume in the area of ​​\u200b\u200bthe thumb and forefinger.

Diagnostic studies

At the first manifestation of symptoms, it is necessary to seek help from a doctor who will listen to complaints, study the medical history, learn about previous pathologies of diseases, analyze chronic diseases and only then send to additional research to confirm the diagnosis. Then, with the help of palpation, the doctor determines the sensitivity, and the area of ​​​​pain concentration, the condition of the muscles of the affected hand is tested, and the elbow is also examined.

First of all, they are assigned biochemical analyzes blood and urine to detect the inflammatory process inside the body.

Then held instrumental methods diagnostics:

• x-ray;
• MRI and CT to identify bone abnormalities that could provoke pathology;
• Ultrasound of the nerve trunks for the diagnosis of structural changes;
• electromyography to study impulses in the damaged area.

After that, the specialist, as an additional method of confirming the diagnosis, may prescribe Froman testing, which is as follows:

1. The patient puts both thumbs on the table at a small distance from each other, trying to lift the table top with them. If the lesion is minor, the fingers will easily unbend in the interphalangeal joint, but the patient will not have smooth movements. thumb on the affected hand.
2. The following experiment is carried out using a piece of paper. The patient takes it on the sides so that the fingers are straight. It will be possible to notice the affected side by the bent ends in the joint between the phalanges.

Treatment

In the process of pinching the ulnar nerve, the treatment is complex. With such a diagnosis, it is better to choose a stationary or spa treatment, because the patient constantly needs observation and correction of treatment. First of all, after the examination, a vitamin course is prescribed with an emphasis on B vitamins. Antioxidants, anticholinesterase drugs, dehydration and vascular cleansing are also prescribed.

Important in the treatment are physiotherapy exercises, acupuncture, massotherapy, which will contribute to the stimulation and development of muscles, as well as reducing inflammation of the nerve, the symptoms of which are different.

There are cases when any therapy in the process of treating pathology will be meaningless. Then the only right decision is surgery. It is used in cases of complete violation of nerve conduction, when there is no intact tissue. Another indication for surgery is Guyon's syndrome.

Therapeutic exercise is done the very next day after the application of a special fixing bandage. In parallel with it, massage courses are used in order to work out and restore each phalanx of the finger. Then you can perform such a massage yourself, following the recommendations of a specialist.

Warm-up for neuropathy

To develop the ulnar nerve as quickly as possible, use special exercises which are repeated at least twice a day.

1. The hand resting on the elbow is placed on the table. Then the thumb must be lowered down, and the index finger must be raised up, then change them. 10 repetitions at a time will be enough.
2. The following exercises are done according to the same principle only with the participation of the index and middle fingers. And so each finger 10 times.

This technique can be performed in water, which minimizes the risk of damage.

Gymnastics

Ulnar nerve pinching can also be treated with special gymnastics, which is aimed at developing fine motor skills of the hands, restoring lost skills. For this you need:

• circular movements of the fingers, first in one direction, then in the other. For each finger, 10 repetitions;
• lifting up and returning to the starting position of each finger - 10 repetitions;
• squeezing the phalanx of the fingers with a healthy hand. This must be done until they are completely straightened;
• alternately moving the fingers back, using a healthy hand;
• catching objects of various sizes in water and squeezing them in the process of catching.

After gymnastics, you can continue to restore the functionality of the affected hand with the help of special hobbies that contribute to the development of motor skills: modeling from plasticine or clay.

To strengthen the result and to speed up recovery, people's advice is used.

Used to relieve pain dry heat, at home it can be a heating pad, heated salt, sand or any cereal. If immediate relief of pain symptoms is needed, conventional rubbing can be used. Better in this case use any alcohol tincture, which will speed up the effect and shorten the warm-up time. Effective are tinctures of bay leaves, potato sprouts, etc. It usually takes several weeks to prepare the tincture, but you can also purchase a ready-made mixture.

It is better to apply the procedure in the morning, then tightly wrap the elbow with a bandage made of natural material and do not remove it until the evening.

However, it must be remembered that any action during such a serious pathology must be agreed with the attending physician, there is no need to self-medicate and conduct experiments with your body. Any of us can pinch a nerve, so you need to be prepared for this, but it’s better to preventive measures to help avoid illness.