What can happen if you hit your funny bone too hard?
If you hit your funny bone especially hard, it can cause enough bruising and swelling to compress and pinch the nerve. If the numbness lasts more than a few days, see a hand or orthopaedic doctor. Usually treatment of a nerve bruise involves keeping a close eye on your hand function and not ignoring your symptoms.
How long does it take for the ulnar nerve to heal?
You’ll likely have a splint to immobilize the arm for the first couple of days. After that, you’ll begin physical therapy exercises to restore your range of motion. You should start to notice some improvement within about six weeks, though it can take about a year to notice the full effects.
Can hitting your funny bone cause permanent damage?
What happens when you hit your so-called funny bone is that you’ve pressed the ulnar nerve against the hard surface of the humerus bone, which runs from your shoulder to your elbow. The sudden compression sends a tingling shard of pain through your arm, but, as we all know, it passes in moments with no lasting effects.
Can you get nerve damage from hitting your funny bone?
If you’ve hit your funny bone, then you know the stinging, sharp pain it can cause. But, did you know your funny bone isn’t a bone at all? It’s actually a nerve called the ulnar nerve. When this nerve becomes inflamed or injured, it can cause cubital tunnel syndrome.
What is it called when you hit your funny bone?
Is the funny bone in your arm really a bone?
Surprisingly, the funny bone isn’t really a bone at all. It’s actually a cluster of nerves called the ulnar nerve—a bundle of sensitive fibers that run behind your elbow joint. The ulnar nerve starts in the spine and offshoots through the shoulder and down the arm, ending in both the pinky finger and ring finger.
What happens when you hit Your Funny Bone?
You can’t break your funny bone, but small stress fractures can happen to anyone. It never seems that funny in the moment, though. What happens when you hit your so-called funny bone is that you’ve pressed the ulnar nerve against the hard surface of the humerus bone, which runs from your shoulder to your elbow.
Why does my elbow hurt when I hit a funny bone?
Sometimes funny bone pain can be more serious than simply striking your elbow at the wrong angle. Persistent discomfort may signal a chronic health condition called “cubital tunnel syndrome,” which happens when the ulnar nerve is subjected to constant pressure or stretching.
Why is the ulnar nerve called the funny bone?
Through history, it’s still unclear as to how the ulnar nerve was dubbed the funny bone. Bruce said one reason the name stuck is because of the dull tingling or funny sensation that occurs when the area is irritated. Others believe it’s a play on words, since the upper arm bone that runs between the elbow and shoulder is called the humerus.