Hi Christy
It sounds to me like ulnar nerve impingement in the elbow.
It certainly wouldn't hurt to have the wrist tested as well.
Ulnar nerve entrapment occurs when one of the nerves in the arm (the ulnar nerve) becomes compressed and can't function normally. This can give symptoms of "falling asleep" in the ring finger and little finger, especially when the elbow is bent. You may have aching pain on the inside of the elbow. In some cases, you may have trouble moving the fingers in and out, or manipulating objects. Carpal tunnel syndrome has similar symptoms but involves a different nerve (the median nerve). Carpal tunnel syndrome typically causes tingling in the thumb, index finger and long finger.
The ulnar nerve is one of the three main nerves in the arm. It travels from under the collarbone and along the inside of the upper arm. It passes through a tunnel (the cubital tunnel) behind the inside of the elbow. Here you can feel the nerve through the skin. It is commonly called the "funny bone." Beyond the elbow, the nerve travels under muscles on the inside of the arm, and into the hand on the pinky side of the palm. When the nerve goes into the hand, it travels through another tunnel (Guyon's canal). The most common place where the nerve gets compressed is behind the elbow. Sometimes it gets compressed at the wrist, beneath the collarbone, or as it comes out of the spinal cord in the neck.
The nerve functions to give sensation to the little finger and the half of the ring finger that is near the little finger. It also controls most of the little muscles in the hand that help with fine movements, and some of the bigger muscles in the forearm that help to make a strong grip.
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I hope this helps! Please let me know if you have more questions.
Kerry
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Kerry, RN
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