Tardy ulnar palsy

Tingling, numbness, burning pain, and/or hand weakness on the small and ring finger side of your hand is caused by compression of the ulnar nerve. 

A very common site of ulnar nerve compression is in a groove, called the “funny bone” or ulnar groove, located between the boney point at the back of your elbow and the inner side of your elbow.

It is called tardy ulnar palsy because the condition develops slowly over time. Leaning on your elbow is the most common way of irritating your nerve here. Using a mirror, look at the back of your elbow for signs of excessive elbow leaning such as skin discoloration, thickening and cracks.