Ulnar Tunnel Syndrome of the Wrist

Ulnar tunnel syndrome occurs when the ulnar nerve is compressed at the wrist. The ulnar nerve is one of the three main nerves that provide feeling and function to the hand. It travels from your neck down into your hand, and can be constricted in several places along the way.

When pressure on the nerve occurs at the wrist, it causes numbness and tingling in the little finger and along the outside of the ring finger. In addition, ulnar tunnel syndrome can sometimes cause weakness in pinching and gripping.

Like carpal tunnel, this condition is treated with splinting, removing the wrist from repetitive stress, and sometimes surgery to open the tunnel for the ulnar nerve. While carpal tunnel tends to affect the thumb and first two fingers, this condition is easy to spot if you have numbness in your pinky.