Symptoms, causes, diagnosis and treatment of ulnar neuropathy

Ulnar neuropathy, also known as handlebar palsy, is a condition of the ulnar nerve that runs the entire length of the arm to the hand. The ulnar nerve is one of the three nerves found in the arm, and ulnar neuropathy is commonly found in cyclists when placing their hands on the handlebars. In this post we talk about handlebar syndrome, without causes and symptoms and the best diagnosis and treatment of it.

What is handlebar syndrome?

Ulnar neuropathy or handlebar palsy is a disease that affects the sensory and motor area of the ulnar nerve., which causes a flexion and/or sensitivity disorder in the area of the wrist and fingers of the hand.

This pathology is found more frequently in men than in women and some sports such as tennis or golf can worsen the condition of ulnar neuropathy.

Symptoms of ulnar neuropathy

Patients with ulnar neuropathy experience a sensation of swelling and tingling in the little finger and the middle area of the ring finger. Sometimes, they also present this same symptomatology in the middle part of the forearm and the elbow.

In the most severe and advanced cases, Handlebar syndrome can cause loss of mobility and difficulty separating or extending the fingers of the hand.. It is also possible to find atrophy of the hand muscles, which is known as preacher's hand. Symptoms worsen when the elbow is flexed.

Causes of handlebar paralysis

Generally, Ulnar neuropathy appears due to compression of the ulnar nerve in the middle of the elbow., because it is a very superficial nerve that also narrows during elbow flexion movements.

The appearance of fractures caused previously, as well as repetitive microtrauma to the hand or elbow, may also play a role. Ulnar neuropathy is common in people with diabetes, hypothyroidism, or rheumatoid arthritis.

In general, It usually affects athletes due to the placement of their hands on the bicycle handlebars. prolonged, so that the cyclist's hands support the entire weight of the upper body, causing and favoring this disease.

Diagnosis and treatment of handlebar syndrome

Through clinical history and a diagnostic study, looking for the characteristics that could indicate ulnar impingement syndrome, the treatment that this condition requires can be determined, always taking into account the symptoms of each patient.

Diagnosis of ulnar neuropathy

The diagnosis of the ulnar neuropathy It is performed through a clinical examination by a specialist, whose objective is to confirm the symptoms of this condition and with the specific physical examination.

During the physical examination, pressure is placed on the patient's ulnar nerve to cause pain and symptoms of this disease. He Tinel test It is a simple test used by experts that confirms handlebar syndrome. This consists of gently percussing the area of the nerve to check if there is inflammation of the ulnar nerve.

Froment's test It is another of the tests that the patient is asked to perform. It consists of keeping a sheet of paper between the thumb and the radial surface of the index finger, assessing whether there is a functional deficit of this nerve.

Treatment of handlebar syndrome or ulnar neuropathy

In milder cases that do not bother the patient, specialists recommend not keeping the elbow flexed, as much as possible, for prolonged periods of time. Treatment will begin with the cessation of the activities that cause the symptoms. mentioned and involve irritation of the ulnar nerve. Thus, in the case of professional athletes, it is recommended to stop sporting activity and receive appropriate physiotherapy treatment, evaluating, in any case, the improvement of the injury.

It may also consist of treatment using analgesics for pain, corticosteroids to reduce inflammation in the area and when this does not work, consider other options.

In the most severe cases and in patients who present continued discomfort, it will be important to consider surgical treatment of ulnar neuropathy, to decompress the canal nerve and avoid the entrapment that caused the symptoms.

The elbow is one of the most frequently damaged joints. At Elgeadi Traumatology we have a great team of elbow traumatologists who can provide you with the most innovative surgical techniques in the field of medicine. You can make an appointment at our trauma clinic in Madrid for a professional diagnosis and personalized treatment for your pathology. Continue your life without pain! With our 24-hour emergency service you will receive the closest and most professional treatment from Prof. Dr. Elgeadi's team.