Golfer's Elbow

Cubital tunnel syndrome is a condition in which the ulnar nerve is entrapped in the posterior groove of the medial epicondyle. It often occurs alongside medial tendon damage, such as golfer's elbow. It is characterized by tingling in the little and ring fingers, nocturnal numbness, and decreased grip strength. If the Tinel sign (electrical radiation when tapping the posterior medial epicondyle) and the elbow flexion test are positive, there is a high likelihood of nerve entrapment. In severe cases, the extent of nerve damage is evaluated using an EMG test. In Korean medicine, medial elbow nerve entrapment is viewed as a condition where stagnation of Qi and blood, along with dampness and phlegm, compresses the nerve pathway. If the meridians passing through the medial side of the elbow are blocked, numbness occurs in the little finger and ring finger, which are the areas innervated by the nerve. When golfer's elbow and elbow tunnel syndrome are present together, a simultaneous approach is taken by combining tendon treatment with acupuncture stimulation to restore Qi and blood circulation around the nerve. If ulnar nerve entrapment is clear, treatment using pharmacopuncture around the nerve to reduce inflammation and promote nerve regeneration can also be combined.