Non-Surgical Relief for Ulnar Nerve Entrapment in Pittsburgh
Regenexx Pittsburgh Offers Regenerative Treatments for Cubital Tunnel Syndrome
Tingling in your ring and pinky fingers? Numbness at night? Trouble gripping or typing? These are all signs of ulnar nerve entrapment, commonly known as cubital tunnel syndrome—the second most common peripheral nerve issue after carpal tunnel syndrome. At Regenexx Pittsburgh, we offer non-surgical, image-guided regenerative procedures using platelet lysate (PL) and other orthobiologics to calm nerve irritation and support long-term recovery—without cutting, relocating, or decompressing the nerve surgically.
What Is Ulnar Nerve Entrapment?
The ulnar nerve runs from your neck down to your hand and is most often compressed at the cubital tunnel, located at the inner elbow. This tunnel houses the nerve as it bends around the elbow joint, making it vulnerable to compression, especially during prolonged flexion or pressure.
The ulnar nerve controls:
- Sensation in your ring and pinky fingers
- Fine motor control of the hand
- Grip strength and coordination
What Causes It?
Common causes and risk factors:
- Prolonged elbow bending (e.g., sleeping with bent arms, driving)
- Leaning on the elbow during computer or phone use
- Elbow arthritis, bone spurs, or joint degeneration
- Past fractures or surgeries near the elbow
- Anatomical narrowing of the cubital tunnel
- List IteIn some cases, the cause is unclear—but symptoms gradually worsen with repetitive stress or nerve irritation.m
Symptoms of Ulnar Nerve Entrapment
- Tingling or numbness in the ring and pinky fingers
- Pain or burning at the inner elbow
- Hand weakness or grip difficulty
- Cramping in the forearm or hand during use
- Worsening symptoms with elbow flexion (e.g., holding a phone, sleeping)
- Difficulty with fine motor tasks (e.g., typing, buttoning a shirt)
- In advanced stages: muscle wasting in the hand and persistent numbness
Standard Treatment Options
Conservative care usually includes:
- Nighttime bracing (to keep the elbow straight)
- Ergonomic changes and activity modification
- NSAIDs or other anti-inflammatory medications
- Nerve gliding exercises
- Corticosteroid injections (limited use near nerves due to risk)
Surgical Options:
- Ulnar nerve decompression
- Anterior transposition (relocating the nerve) Surgery may be required for advanced nerve damage or muscle loss, but it often involves a long recovery and inconsistent outcomes.
Comparing Treatment Options
| Treatment | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|
|
Bracing & PT |
Low risk, may help mild cases |
Limited long-term effect if nerve remains compressed |
|
Cortisone Injections |
Temporary relief |
Can damage nerves with repeated use |
|
Platelet Lysate (PL) |
Targets inflammation, supports nerve recovery |
Not covered by insurance |
|
Surgery |
May help advanced cases |
Risk of scar tissue, nerve sensitivity, long rehab |
Regenexx Pittsburgh’s Regenerative Approach
We use platelet lysate, derived from your own blood, to calm inflammation and support nerve repair—without incisions or surgical relocation.
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Platelet Lysate (PL)
- Filtered from your blood platelets to remove pro-inflammatory components
- Injected around the ulnar nerve under ultrasound guidance
- Stimulates healing, reduces irritation, and supports nerve function
- Ideal for early to moderate cubital tunnel syndrome
02
Supportive Orthobiologics
For cases where arthritis, tendon degeneration, or soft tissue swelling is contributing:
- Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) or Bone Marrow Concentrate (BMC) may be used to treat nearby structures
Meet Your Physicians
All procedures are performed by Regenexx-certified, board-certified physicians:
Dr. Jesse Sally, DO
Board-Certified in Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation; fellowship-trained in Interventional Orthopedics with 10+ years of regenerative care experience
Dr. Marc Adelsheimer, MD
Board-Certified in Pain Medicine and PM&R; expert in ultrasound-guided orthopedic procedures
Dr. Paul Lieber, MD
Board-Certified in PM&R; member of the Interventional Orthopedics Foundation
What to Expect:
Evaluation & Diagnosis
Evaluation & Diagnosis
Treatment Planning
Treatment Planning If regenerative care is appropriate, we’ll tailor a plan using platelet lysate alone or in combination with PRP/BMC, depending on your contributing factors.
Procedure Day
Procedure Day - In-office ultrasound-guided injection
- No sedation required
- Typically takes less than 60 minutes
Recovery Timeline
Recovery Timeline - Mild soreness for 1–3 days
- Most patients report progressive relief over 2–8 weeks
- Nerve healing is gradual; continued improvements may occur for 3–6 months
Risks and Limitations
Common Side Effects
- Mild injection site soreness
- Temporary swelling or tightness near the elbow
Rare Risks
- Infection
- Bleeding
- Nerve irritation (due to injection proximity)
Not Ideal For
- Patients with severe muscle wasting
- Advanced nerve compression confirmed on EMG
- Active infections or uncontrolled autoimmune disorders
Scientific Evidence
Regenexx regenerative techniques are informed by decades of clinical research. Here are just a few examples:
Choi et al. (2019)
Platelet lysate shown to reduce nerve inflammation and support axonal recovery in preclinical studies
Elhassan et al. (2021)
Biologics demonstrated promise in treating peripheral nerve injuries without surgical release
Regenexx Registry Data
Outcomes data from Regenexx procedures across 100,000+ treatments show high patient satisfaction and symptom relief in peripheral nerve conditions
Our approach is guided by clinical research, real-world outcomes, and orthopedic best practices.
Are You a Candidate?
Regenexx Pittsburgh’s regenerative approach may be a good fit if:
- You’ve been diagnosed with cubital tunnel syndrome or ulnar nerve irritation
- Symptoms are mild to moderate, and not yet constant or causing muscle loss
- Bracing or activity changes haven’t resolved the issue
- You want to avoid the risk, scarring, and rehab associated with surgery
- You’re looking for a biologic, function-restoring solution
Real Results from Pittsburgh Patients
I was waking up every night with tingling in my pinky and ring fingers. The Regenexx team explained how platelet lysate worked. I was skeptical—but three weeks later, I stopped needing the brace and my symptoms were gone.
— Brendan T., South Hills
I didn’t want surgery and was tired of masking symptoms. After Regenexx, my hand feels normal again. I’m back to work and sleeping through the night.
— Melissa R., Mt. Lebanon
Why Choose Regenexx Pittsburgh?
Regenexx-developed platelet lysate protocols for nerve repair
Board-certified physicians with regenerative and orthopedic specialization
Image-guided precision for every injection
Full-service regenerative care for joint, tendon, and nerve conditions
Full-service regenerative care for joint, tendon, and nerve conditions
Serving Pittsburgh, Wexford, Cranberry Township, Mt. Lebanon, and surrounding areas
We don’t guess—we diagnose, target, and treat with precision and care.
Call Our Office
(412) 963-6480
Frequently Asked Questions
How is platelet lysate different from cortisone?
Will this fix my numbness and tingling?
Is it safe to inject near a nerve?
When should someone consider surgery instead?
Is this covered by insurance?
Start Feeling Your Fingers Again—Without Surgery
Don’t let nerve irritation limit your grip, your sleep, or your quality of life. Regenexx Pittsburgh offers a proven, biologic alternative to surgery for ulnar nerve entrapment.
Call Our Office
(412) 963-6480
