Fact Checked
The ulnar collateral ligament is an injury to the ligament in the elbow. The ligaments are bands of tissue that attaches one bone to another to form a joint. The ulnar collateral ligament is found in the medial elbow. They become damaged overtime from an acute injury due to overuse and repetitive stress damage such as pitching or throwing, painting, spiking a volleyball and painting.
Causes of ulnar collateral ligament injury
- Stress of repetitive throwing movement
- Overuse of the ligament due to work or sport activities that result to stress on the inner elbow. The stress can result to tiny tears and eventually becomes worse overtime.
- Sudden movements that cause twisting or tearing a ligament, such as falling on outstretched hand and falling onto the elbow. If another person falls on another person’s elbow can also cause injury to the ligament.
Symptoms
- Pain in the inside area of the elbow
- A popping, catching or grinding sound can be heard after the injury
- Swelling of the affected area
- Bruising
- Slight loss of elbow movement
- Pain when closing and clenching the hand
Treatment
- Take plenty of rest. Avoid performing activities that result to pain while in the healing stage. Rest for at least 3-6 weeks or more for fast healing of the condition.
- Apply a splint or a sling on the affected elbow for at least several weeks to prevent unnecessary movement and further damage to the area.
- Apply ice pack on the area for at least 20 minutes at a time every 3-4 hour to lessen the swelling and the pain.
- Elevate the affected elbow above the level of the heart to lessen the inflammation. When sitting or lying down raise the arm in couple of pillows to keep it elevated.
- Take the prescribed over-the-counter medications such as ibuprofen, acetaminophen or naproxen to lessen the pain and the swelling.
- Perform regular stretching and strengthening exercises for the entire elbow with the help of the physical therapist. Perform high repetition, low weight exercises to increase endurance of the area without stressing the joint.
Tips
- Follow rules and using proper protective equipment for work or sports.
- Warm-up exercises and stretching before performing activities to prevent injuries. It there is pain in the hands after performing exercises; apply ice immediately to prevent getting it injured.
- Avoid activities that result to pain such as excessive throwing and stop the activity if it results to pain.
Disclaimer / More Information
The material posted on this page on ulnar collateral ligament injury is for learning purposes only. Learn to recognize the indications by taking a first aid and CPR class with one of our training providers.
FACT CHECK
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ulnar_collateral_ligament_of_elbow_joint