Elbow Ligament Injury

Also known as: elbow ligament tear, elbow ligament sprain.

What is an elbow ligament injury?

Ligaments are bands of tissue that connect bones to one another. The elbow has three ligaments: The annular ligament, the radial collateral ligament and the ulnar collateral ligament. When an injury occurs to one of these ligaments, it is known as an elbow ligament injury.

What causes elbow ligament injury? 

Most of the injuries to the elbow ligaments occur due to repetitive motions, often in athletic endeavors such as pitching or serving a volleyball. A direct blow to the arm or another type of injury can also cause the problems.

What are the symptoms of elbow ligament injury? 

Pain, especially when using the arm, soreness, swelling, difficulty moving the arm, numbness and tingling are possible symptoms of an elbow ligament injury.

What are elbow ligament injury care options? 

Minor elbow ligament injuries can be treated with rest and physical therapy. In more severe instances, surgery is required to repair the elbow ligament injury.


Reviewed by: Craig J Spurdle, MD

This page was last updated on: September 29, 2021 04:52 PM