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Ulnar Collateral Ligament Injury

Last updated: February 7, 2026 Medically reviewed by: RxHarun Orthopedic Specialist Doctor Reading time: 2 min read

The Ulnar Collateral Ligament is a band of ligaments that connects the upper arm bone (humerus) to the lower arm bone (ulna). These soft tissue structures stabilize the elbow joint and allow a person to perform overhead arm movements such as playing tennis or throwing a ball. An ulnar collateral Injury occurs due to stretching, loosening or tearing of these ligaments. The condition may result in physical limitations and is a common injury observed in sportspersons. Ulnar Collateral Ligament damage does not occur due to stress form daily activities as this type of damage requires a considerable amount of force that exceeds the threshold of the ligaments to cause lengthening or tears. This injury has a high incidence of re-occurring post treatment.

Causes

  • Overuse injuries caused by repeated overhead movement such as playing volleyball or basketball
  • Inherent weakness of the muscles and ligaments
  • Improper throwing techniques
  • Not warming up before indulging in a sport
  • Elbow Dislocations
  • The ligaments may be damaged due to surgical procedures applied on the elbow joint or the upper arm

Symptoms

  • Pain in the elbow joint and the arm, which may increase while performing tasks that require lifting the hands or arms above the head
  • Swelling and tenderness in the inner side of the elbow joint or the upper arm
  • Limited range of motion
  • A tingling sensation in the arm and inner side of the elbow
  • Weakness in the elbow joint
  • Numbness in the fingers (particularly little finger) and hand
  • Loss of grip
  • A popping sound at the time of injury
  • Stiffness
  • Change in color of the fingernails

Diagnosis

  • Analysis of the existing symptoms reported by the patient
  • MRI scan may be required to view the ligaments
  • The doctor may use palpation and pressure to identify the exact location of pain

Treatment

  • The patient may be recommended to take rest and abstain from any physical activities that cause pain
  • Physical therapy with special focus on ROM (range of motion) exercises may be recommended to accelerate recovery
  • Anti-inflammatory medicines may be prescribed by the doctor
  • Ice packs may be applied to ease pain and swelling
  • Protective splint or elbow brace may be recommended
  • In case of complete tear, surgery may be suggested. It will aim at reconstructing the ligament and removing the damaged parts, if any
  • It may also be advised to avoid arm movements that aggravate pain or increase the risk of injury

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this article a replacement for a doctor?

No. It is educational content only. Patients should consult a qualified clinician for diagnosis and treatment.

When should I seek urgent care?

Seek urgent care for severe symptoms, rapidly worsening condition, breathing difficulty, severe pain, neurological changes, or any emergency warning sign.

References

Add references, clinical guidelines, textbooks, journal articles, or trusted medical sources here. You can edit this area later with a custom field named _rx_references.

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Written by Dr. Harun Ar Rashid, MD - Arthritis, Bones, Joints Pain, Trauma, and Internal Medicine Specialist

Dr. Md. Harun Ar Rashid, MPH, MD, PhD, is a highly respected medical specialist celebrated for his exceptional clinical expertise and unwavering commitment to patient care. With advanced qualifications including MPH, MD, and PhD, he integrates cutting-edge research with a compassionate approach to medicine, ensuring that every patient receives personalized and effective treatment. His extensive training and hands-on experience enable him to diagnose complex conditions accurately and develop innovative treatment strategies tailored to individual needs. In addition to his clinical practice, Dr. Harun Ar Rashid is dedicated to medical education and research, writing and inventory creative thinking, innovative idea, critical care managementing make in his community to outreach, often participating in initiatives that promote health awareness and advance medical knowledge. His career is a testament to the high standards represented by his credentials, and he continues to contribute significantly to his field, driving improvements in both patient outcomes and healthcare practices. Born and educated in Bangladesh, Dr. Rashid earned his BPT from the University of Dhaka before pursuing postgraduate training internationally. He completed his MD in Internal Medicine at King’s College London, where he developed a special interest in inflammatory arthritis and metabolic bone disease. He then undertook a PhD in Orthopedic Science at the University of Oxford, conducting pioneering research on cytokine signaling pathways in rheumatoid arthritis. Following his doctoral studies, Dr. Rashid returned to clinical work with a fellowship in interventional pain management at the Rx University School of Medicine, refining his skills in image-guided joint injections and minimally invasive pain-relief techniques.