Why does it feel like "electric shock" when you get hit in the elbow? Let's talk about the Ulnar Nerve (Funny Bone)!

We've all experienced this feeling when we bump our elbow somewhere, like we've been hit by a "funny..." and then feel a strange tingling sensation running down our entire arm. We jokingly call this the "funny bone." But did you know that this "funny bone" isn't actually a bone, it's a very important nerve in our hand? Today we're going to talk about the part of the arm that causes this experience, medically known as the Ulnar Nerve.

What exactly is this 'Funny Bone'?

Simply put, it's a nerve. The ulnar nerve, which runs deep under the skin on the inside of our elbow, sits on top of a bone. So, when our elbow hits a hard surface, this nerve is temporarily compressed. It's like a wire being pinched. That's when we get this electric, tingling, "funny" feeling. So the name "funny bone" comes from this strange, laughing sensation, not because it's a bone.

A small pinched nerve can cause pain, numbness, and weakness in your hand. This can affect your ability to grip things, perform daily tasks, and even feel sensations. If you have these symptoms, it's best to see a doctor. He or she can talk to you about your symptoms and offer you the solutions you need to get relief.

What is the function of the ulnar nerve? How is it important to the body?

The Ulnar nerve is a very important nerve in our hand. It controls many of the small muscles in our hand. Although this nerve starts in our armpit area, its main functions begin in the forearm. Its main functions can be divided into two parts.

Where is the Ulnar nerve located in our body?

This is like a long cable inside our body. It starts in the brachial plexus , a bundle of nerves that starts in our cervical spine. From there, this nerve travels a long way.

Think about it this way...

1. This nerve starts in our armpit.

2. Moves down from the inside of the upper arm.

3. Next comes the most important part - the elbow. This nerve runs through a tunnel of tissue (called the Cubital Tunnel ) under a bony bump on the inside of the elbow. That's where we call the "Funny Bone."

4. Then, move under the muscles on the inside of the forearm.

5. Finally, at the wrist, another small tunnel ( Guyon's Canal ) enters from the palm side and divides throughout the hand.

During this journey, the ulnar nerve divides into smaller branches, each of which provides movement and sensation to different parts of the hand.

What problems can occur with the ulnar nerve?

This nerve can become damaged or compressed for various reasons. Here are some of the main conditions that can occur when this happens.

What symptoms should you be concerned about?

When the ulnar nerve is compressed, various symptoms can occur. These may not be noticeable at first, but they can increase over time. Therefore, it is very important to be aware of these symptoms.

• Numbness and Tingling: This is the most common symptom. It is a tingling sensation, especially in the little finger and ring finger (fourth finger) . It can feel as if the fingers are "sleeping."
• Hand Weakness: Difficulty gripping things tightly. For example, it may be difficult to open a water bottle cap, turn a wrench, or lift a heavy object. This weakness may also be felt when writing or typing.
• Claw Hand: This is a more severe condition. As the nerve damage increases, the little finger and ring finger become bent toward the palm and become clawed.
• Muscle Wasting: If a nerve is compressed for a long time, the muscles controlled by that nerve can gradually shrink and atrophy. This is a rare but serious symptom.
• Pain in the elbow or wrist: Pain may occur at the site of nerve compression.

When should you see a doctor?

Don't ignore these symptoms. They may start as minor discomfort, but over time they can progress to permanent nerve damage. That's why it's important to seek treatment early.

If you have one or more of the following symptoms, see your doctor without delay.

• If you have frequent tingling or numbness in your little finger or ring finger (fourth finger).
• If you feel that your grip has decreased .
• If you have difficulty doing delicate tasks like buttoning a shirt or writing with a pen.
• If your little finger or ring finger seems to be curling inward .
• If you have pain or numbness in your elbow, wrist, or hand.

Your doctor will examine you and, if necessary, refer you to a neurologist. The tests they perform can determine if there is any nerve damage and where it is located.