Carpal Tunnel Syndrome vs Cubital Tunnel Syndrome: What's the Difference?

Repetitive strain injuries (RSIs) are common in the workplace. Research conducted by the U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) shows that nearly 2 million workers in the United States sustain an RSI during any given year. While there are dozens of types of RSIs, though, two of the most common include carpal tunnel syndrome and cubital tunnel syndrome. What's the difference been carpal tunnel syndrome and cubital tunnel syndrome exactly?

What Is Carpal Tunnel Syndrome?

Carpal tunnel syndrome is an RSI that's characterized by pain, numbness and/or limited mobility due to the compression of the median nerve in the hand. The median nerve travels through the arm and into the hand via an opening. This opening is known as the carpal tunnel. Carpal tunnel syndrome involves the compression of the median nerve. While it can affect different workers in different ways, it typically causes pain, numbness and/or limited mobility.

The following tasks, when performed repetitively, can increase the risk of carpal tunnel syndrome:

• Writing
• Typing
• Assembling products
• Using tools
• Packing boxes
• Operating machinery
• Preparing food

What Is Cubital Tunnel Syndrome?

Cubital tunnel syndrome is an RSI that involves the compression of the ulnar nerve. Many different nerves travel through the hands. There's the median nerve, and there's the ulnar nerve. Cubital tunnel syndrome occurs when the latter nerve is compressed. It can result in similar symptoms as carpal tunnel syndrome. Cubital tunnel syndrome simply involves a different type of nerve.

Differences Between Carpal Tunnel and Cubital Tunnel Syndrome

While they often have similar symptoms -- pain, numbness and/or limited mobility -- carpal tunnel and cubital tunnel syndrome aren't the same. The biggest difference between these RSIs is that they involve different types of nerves. Carpel tunnel syndrome occurs when the median nerve is compressed, whereas cubital tunnel syndrome occurs when the ulnar nerve is compressed.

Carpal tunnel syndrome is also more likely to affect the forearm than its cubital tunnel counterpart. If you suffer from carpal tunnel syndrome, you may experience pain and numbness from your hand all the way to your elbow. The symptoms will essentially affect your entire arm. In comparison, cubital tunnel syndrome is typically isolated to the hand.

It's also worth mentioning that carpal tunnel syndrome is more common. More workers -- especially those type or otherwise use their hands -- develop carpal tunnel syndrome than cubital tunnel syndrome.