Ulnar Collateral Ligament Injuries
The ligament is a tough band-like structure that connects bone to bone. Ligaments that present at the inner/medial side of the elbow joint and stabilize and support the joint from the medial/inner side.
Injuries to these ligaments cause pain and instability of the elbow joint, these ulnar collateral ligament can damage due to throwing movement, direct injuries.
Causes
- Repeated stress on the ligaments
- Throwing sports activities
- Overuse injury or wear and tear injuries
- Direct trauma to the inner side of the elbow
- Overstretch injury
Symptoms
- Pain in the elbow (inner side)
- Stiffness
- Pain in elbow while movements
- Reduced range of motion
- Swelling
- Discoloration
- Tingling or numbness in the small finger and ring finger
Diagnosis
- Physical examination by your doctor, your doctor will perform some examination test and also ask about your medical history
- X-ray prescribed to check for any bone injury or fractures
- MRI helps in getting extensive analysis and evaluation of damaged ligaments
Treatment
- Conservative
- Give rest to your elbow and avoid movement
- Ice application on the affected area
- Medication to reduce pain and inflammation
- An elbow supporter or brace can be used to support the elbow
- Physical therapy is suggested when the inflammation subsides to strengthen the muscles and improve the range of motion
- Surgery
- when the damage is severe and the conservative treatment is responding then surgical management may required
- Reconstruction of the ulnar collateral ligament
