Carpal tunnel syndrome and ulnar neuropathy are compressive syndromes of the nerves at the elbow or wrist. In the case of carpal tunnel syndrome, the median nerve is compressed at the wrist. This causes numbness in the hand, mostly the thumb, index, middle and ring fingers. Patients note the need to shake their hands to relieve the numbness.

Ulnar neuropathy results from compression or irritation of the nerve at the elbow. This is sometimes called the "funny bone" and compression of the nerve causes numbness in the little finger and ring finger. Weakness may also be noted.

Treatment of both carpal tunnel syndrome and ulnar neuropathy is bracing of the wrist, padding of the elbow or surgery. The surgery is designed to decompress the nerve and is usually very effective.

Surgical treatment of carpal tunnel involves a small surgical incision in the wrist and a sectioning of the flexor retinaculum.