Ulnar Ligament Injuries: What You Need to Know
The ulnar ligament is an important ligament in your elbow. It helps keep your elbow stable when you bend, straighten, or throw. When this ligament gets injured, it can cause pain and make everyday activities harder—especially for athletes.
Let’s take a closer look at what ulnar ligament injuries are, how they happen, and what can be done to treat them.
What Is the Ulnar Ligament?
The ulnar ligament (also called the ulnar collateral ligament, or UCL) connects bones on the inside of your elbow. It helps control side-to-side movement and keeps the elbow from bending the wrong way.
This ligament is used a lot during throwing motions, like pitching a baseball or serving a tennis ball.
How Do Ulnar Ligament Injuries Happen?
Ulnar ligament injuries often happen from:
- Repeating the same arm motion over and over
- Throwing sports like baseball, softball, or javelin
- Sudden stress on the elbow, such as a fall
- Lifting heavy objects the wrong way
Over time, the ligament can stretch, tear, or wear down.
Common Symptoms
If the ulnar ligament is injured, you may notice:
- Pain on the inside of the elbow
- Swelling or tenderness
- Weakness when gripping or throwing
- A feeling that the elbow is “loose” or unstable
- Trouble fully straightening the arm
Some people hear or feel a “pop” when the injury happens.
How Are Ulnar Ligament Injuries Diagnosed?
A doctor will start with a physical exam and ask about your symptoms and activities. Imaging tests may also be used, such as:
- X-rays to rule out bone problems
- MRI scans to look closely at the ligament
These tests help determine how serious the injury is.
Treatment Options
Treatment depends on how severe the injury is.
Non-Surgical Treatment
Many ulnar ligament injuries can heal without surgery. Treatment may include:
- Rest and activity changes
- Ice to reduce swelling
- Physical therapy to improve strength and motion
- Bracing to support the elbow
Surgical Treatment
If the ligament is badly torn or symptoms don’t improve, surgery may be recommended. One common surgery is UCL reconstruction, often called “Tommy John surgery.”
Can Ulnar Ligament Injuries Be Prevented?
While not all injuries can be prevented, you can lower your risk by:
- Warming up before sports or exercise
- Using proper throwing techniques
- Taking breaks from repetitive activities
- Strengthening arm and shoulder muscles
When to See a Doctor
If elbow pain doesn’t go away, gets worse, or affects daily activities, it’s important to see an orthopaedic specialist. Early treatment can help prevent long-term problems.
Expert Orthopaedic Care You Can Trust
At OIBortho, we specialize in diagnosing and treating elbow injuries, including ulnar ligament injuries. Our team creates personalized treatment plans to help patients return to their normal activities safely and comfortably.
If you’re experiencing elbow pain, schedule an appointment today to get the care you need.