If you’ve been in a car accident and are experiencing numbness or tingling in your hand or fingers, especially the ring and pinky fingers, you might be dealing with a condition called ulnar nerve entrapment. This injury can have lasting effects on your mobility and quality of life. But what exactly is ulnar nerve entrapment, and can it really be caused by a car wreck? Let’s break it down.
What Is Ulnar Nerve Entrapment?
The ulnar nerve is one of the three main nerves in your arm. It runs from your neck, through your shoulder and elbow, and down to your hand. Most people know it as the “funny bone” nerve because of the sharp, tingling sensation that occurs when it’s bumped at the elbow.
Ulnar nerve entrapment occurs when this nerve becomes compressed or irritated, often at the elbow (a condition known as cubital tunnel syndrome) or sometimes at the wrist (called Guyon’s canal syndrome). Symptoms include:
- Numbness or tingling in the ring and little fingers
- Weak grip strength
- Muscle wasting in the hand (in severe cases)
- Pain or aching in the elbow or forearm
Left untreated, this condition can become chronic and may require surgery.
Can a Car Wreck Cause Ulnar Nerve Entrapment?
Yes—a car accident can absolutely cause ulnar nerve entrapment. Trauma from a crash can lead to nerve compression in several ways:
- Direct impact injuries: If your elbow or arm strikes the door, steering wheel, or another hard surface during the collision, the force can injure the ulnar nerve or surrounding tissue, leading to entrapment.
- Whiplash and nerve stretching: Sudden jerking motions, like those experienced during a rear-end collision, can stretch or strain the nerve pathways.
- Swelling and inflammation: Even without a broken bone, soft tissue damage from the crash can cause swelling that puts pressure on the ulnar nerve.
- Fractures or dislocations: Injuries to the elbow, arm, or shoulder can shift structures in a way that traps the nerve.
If you start experiencing symptoms after a crash—even if they don’t show up immediately—you should seek medical attention and tell your doctor about the accident.
Diagnosing and Treating Ulnar Nerve Entrapment
Diagnosis usually involves a physical exam, a discussion of your symptoms, and imaging or nerve conduction studies. Treatment can range from conservative options like physical therapy and bracing to corticosteroid injections and, in severe cases, surgical decompression.
Legal Options After an Accident
If your ulnar nerve entrapment was caused by a car accident that wasn’t your fault, you may be entitled to compensation. Nerve damage can affect your ability to work, perform daily tasks, and enjoy your usual quality of life. A personal injury attorney can help you pursue damages for:
- Medical expenses
- Lost wages
- Pain and suffering
- Future medical care
Contact a Florida Personal Injury Lawyer
If you have been involved in a personal injury incident, seeking legal advice is essential to protect your rights. Our legal team has more than 40 years of experience seeking justice for accident victims. Our attorneys have sought and won millions of dollars for our injured clients.
Call 850-601-1111 to schedule a complimentary consultation with no obligations. This consultation will help you explore your legal options. Let us help you fight for fair compensation.
Jaeson continued his studies at Florida State University College of Law, graduating with a Juris Doctorate in 2011. Throughout his law school career, Jaeson regularly volunteered his time at Florida Legal Services, where he assisted with several projects aimed at advancing the rights of low-income families in Florida. Jaeson has recovered millions of dollars from individuals for his clients. For his efforts, Jaeson was inducted in 2016 into the Multi-Million Dollar Advocates Forum. At the time of his induction, he was one of the youngest attorneys in the State of Florida to be inducted.
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