Cubital Tunnel Syndrome and Surgery in Puyallup, WA

Cubital tunnel syndrome occurs when the ulnar nerve, which runs along the inner part of the elbow, becomes compressed or irritated—often in the area commonly known as the “funny bone.” This nerve controls sensation in the ring and pinky fingers and helps power fine motor movement in the hand.

‍Dr. Iyengar provides targeted, personalized care to relieve ulnar nerve compression and restore comfort, helping prevent long-term nerve damage or loss of function. When compressed, the nerve can cause tingling, numbness, pain, or even hand weakness—especially when the elbow is bent for long periods, such as during phone use or sleep.

When should I consider treatment?

If you're experiencing frequent numbness or tingling in the ring and pinky fingers, hand clumsiness, or elbow discomfort that doesn't improve with rest or activity modification, it may be time to explore treatment options with Dr. Iyengar. Symptoms that persist or worsen could lead to muscle wasting in the hand, so early evaluation is key.

What are my treatment options?

Conservative Approaches



Mild cases of cubital tunnel syndrome can often be managed without surgery. Options include activity modification, wearing an elbow splint at night, using anti-inflammatory medications, and avoiding prolonged elbow flexion.


Surgical Options

For more severe or persistent symptoms, surgery may be recommended to relieve pressure on the ulnar nerve. Dr. Iyengar offers the following techniques:


• Ulnar Nerve Decompression: This involves releasing tight tissues compressing the nerve to restore normal function.
• Ulnar Nerve Transposition: In some cases, the nerve is moved to a new position (in front of the elbow) to prevent future irritation, especially in patients with anatomical risk factors or nerve instability.

• Medial Epicondylectomy: A small portion of the bone is removed to relieve pressure on the nerve if needed.


Dr. Iyengar will assess your specific symptoms and anatomy to determine the most effective treatment plan.

Why choose Dr. Iyengar for hand and nerve surgery?

As a fellowship-trained hand and upper extremity surgeon, Dr. Iyengar specializes in delicate nerve procedures like cubital tunnel surgery. His advanced training allows him to perform both minimally invasive and more complex decompression techniques, with a focus on restoring comfort, mobility, and long-term function.

What does recovery look like?

Recovery depends on the severity of the nerve compression and the procedure performed. Many patients experience gradual improvement in numbness and strength over several weeks to months. Light activity is usually allowed soon after surgery, with full return to work and hobbies typically following within 4–6 weeks.

If the nerve was compressed for a long time, full recovery may take longer—but surgery can still prevent further damage and improve overall function.