Symptoms:

• Abnormal sensations in the 4th or 5th fingers, usually on the palm side
• Numbness, decreased sensation
• Pain
• Tingling, burning sensation
• Weakness of the hand

Pain or numbness may awaken you from sleep. Activities such as tennis or golf make the condition worse.

Signs and tests:

An exam of the hand and wrist can reveal ulnar nerve dysfunction. Signs may include:

• "Claw-like" deformity (in severe cases)
• Difficulty moving the fingers
• Wasting of the hand muscles (in severe cases)
• Weakness of wrist and hand bending

A detailed history may be needed to determine the cause of the neuropathy.

Tests may include:

• Blood tests
• Imaging scans
• Nerve conduction tests
• Recording of the electrical activity in muscles (EMG)
• X-rays