Can a partially torn UCL heal itself?

Minor ulnar collateral ligament (UCL) injury can heal itself with nonsurgical treatments. However, if you want to perform any strenuous overhead or throwing activity or if the ligament has an advanced grade tear, then your doctor may recommend surgical repair for the torn UCL.

What happens when your UCL is torn?

When the ligament is torn, the tether is too long and the bones move too much. This can lead to pain, a sense of instability or looseness, and an inability to work or play sports. The ulnar collateral ligament complex is located on the inside of the elbow (pinky or medial side).

Can you live with a torn UCL thumb?

What if the UCL injury is chronic? Oftentimes, patients will present with instability long after an injury. Fortunately, these injuries can usually be treated by mobilizing the ligaments and performing a primary repair; sometimes, a graft is used. In any case, these patients usually have good success.

Is a torn UCL bad?

The ulnar collateral ligament (UCL) is a ligament that runs on the inner side of the elbow to help support it when performing certain motions, such as throwing. When this ligament is torn or damaged, it can lead to pain, elbow instability and loss of function.

Does a torn UCL hurt to touch?

A UCL injury may at first cause pain and tightness in the area. However, over time and with repetitive stress or trauma, the UCL can become stretched and even tear.

How do you treat a partial UCL tear?

Treatment for UCL tears can range from rest and physical therapy to surgery, depending on the severity of the tear. In partial tears, initially non-surgical treatments are recommending, including rest, NSAIDs and physical therapy to strengthen the surrounding muscles and compensate for an injured UCL.

Can you lift weights with a torn UCL?

Fact #2: A torn UCL may not keep you from your daily activities. In fact, many people with UCL injuries can still lift weights and participate in non-throwing activities such as running, skating or soccer.

Can you throw a baseball with a torn UCL?

A UCL injury causes pain on the inner side of the elbow. Your elbow may feel weak and unstable, and you may not be able to throw as fast as you like. If you tear the UCL, you may feel a pop when it happens.

Does a torn UCL thumb require surgery?

Surgical Treatment For severe sprains, such as a complete rupture of the UCL, conservative treatment may not be enough to restore stability of your thumb joint. In these cases, your doctor may recommend surgery to reattach the UCL to the thumb joint and repair fractured bones if needed.

Does a torn UCL require surgery?

While there is a range of severity, when a ‘pop’ is felt, surgical repair is usually necessary to allow a return to competitive sports. The surgery is performed on an outpatient basis using a tendon from the arm or leg to repair the UCL.

How bad does a UCL tear hurt?

A UCL injury causes pain on the inner side of the elbow. Your elbow may feel weak and unstable, and you may not be able to throw as fast as you like. If you tear the UCL, you may feel a pop when it happens. This is painful.