The Unsettling Sensation of Hitting Your Elbow
Almost everyone has experienced the peculiar jolt that shoots through the arm after accidentally bumping their elbow. This common mishap often results in an immediate, intense sensation, widely known as hitting the “funny bone.” The feeling is far from humorous, but it is a universal experience. This sensation involves a sudden burst of tingling or numbness that quickly subsides.
The Ulnar Nerve Explained
The unusual feeling after an elbow bump originates from the ulnar nerve, often referred to as the “funny bone.” This nerve is one of the three main nerves in the arm, extending from the neck down to the hand. At the elbow, the ulnar nerve passes through a narrow tunnel of tissue and bone on the inner side of the arm, known as the cubital tunnel.
Unlike many other nerves, the ulnar nerve at this point lies close to the skin’s surface, directly over the medial epicondyle, a bony prominence on the humerus (upper arm bone). This superficial position makes it vulnerable to direct impact. When the elbow is struck, the ulnar nerve gets temporarily compressed or stretched against the bone. This compression disrupts the nerve’s normal signaling, leading to an electric shock-like sensation, tingling, or numbness that radiates down the forearm and into the pinky and ring fingers. Symptoms are transient, resolving within seconds to minutes as pressure on the nerve is relieved.
Common Injuries After an Elbow Hit
Beyond the temporary “funny bone” sensation, hitting your elbow can cause various other injuries, primarily affecting the soft tissues around the joint. A common outcome is a contusion, or bruise. This occurs when small blood vessels under the skin rupture due to the impact, leading to discoloration and tenderness. Swelling, or edema, also accompanies a bruise, as fluid accumulates in the injured tissues as part of the body’s natural inflammatory response.
These soft tissue injuries can range from mild discomfort to moderate pain, depending on the force of the impact. While less common from a simple bump, a significant impact to the elbow can lead to more severe structural damage. Such impacts might result in a fracture (a break in one of the bones forming the elbow joint) or a dislocation (where the bones of the joint are forced out of their normal alignment). These serious injuries are accompanied by significant pain, noticeable deformity, and an inability to move the arm, distinguishing them from minor soft tissue injuries.
Knowing When to See a Doctor
While most elbow bumps result in only temporary discomfort or minor bruising, certain signs indicate a more serious injury that requires medical attention. You should seek medical evaluation if you experience persistent severe pain that does not improve, or if there is significant swelling that continues to worsen. A visible deformity around the elbow joint, such as an unusual lump or angulation, also indicates seeing a doctor.
Inability to move your arm or hand normally, or any numbness or tingling that does not subside after a few minutes, suggests nerve damage beyond a temporary compression. Signs of infection, such as increasing redness, warmth, or pus around the injury site, require medical consultation. For minor bumps, self-care steps include applying ice to the area to reduce swelling, resting the arm, and elevating it above heart level.