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Elbow Lateral Collateral Ligament Tear / Strain Physiotherapy

Elbow lateral collateral ligament (LCL) strain or tears are those that damage the soft tissue in our elbow's lateral collateral ligament complex (LCLC).

The LCLC consists of four ligaments, of which, only two are typically referred to as the lateral collateral.

The four LCLC ligaments are:

  • Radial collateral ligament (RCL) – joins the lateral epicondyle of the humerus to the annular ligament below.
  • Lateral ulnar collateral ligament (LUCL) – connects the lateral epicondyle with the supinator crest of the ulna.
  • Annular ligament (AL) – also called orbicular ligament, encircles the tip of the radius, maintaining contact with the ulna and humerus.
  • Accessory lateral collateral ligament (ALCL) – joins the supinator crest with the lower margin of the annular ligament.

Usually, only the RCL and LUCL are called the lateral collateral ligaments of the elbow. An LCL strain may affect either one or both of these fibrous bands simultaneously.

LCL injuries generally occur due to repetitive stress that damages the inner tissues of the elbow joint. It is commonly seen in athletes and people who frequently play overhead sports, like basketball, baseball, volleyball, etc.

The condition is typically characterized by:

  • Pain
  • Numbness
  • Swelling, and
  • Locking or catching of the elbow.

The alternative names for LCL strains include:

  • Tommy John Injury
  • Little League Elbow Syndrome
  • Thrower’s Elbow
  • Ulnar collateral ligament (UCL) injury
  • Radial collateral ligament injury
  • External lateral ligament injury

In the following article, we take an in-depth look at what LCL is and how it can become strained. We also discuss the symptoms of LCL tear and the treatment options available to people suffering from this type of elbow injury.

Let’s start with the basic question:

What Is the Lateral Collateral Ligament?

Not to be confused with the knee lateral collateral ligament injury, the lateral collateral ligament of the elbow is a fan-shaped band of fibrous tissues located on the joint’s medial side. It originates at the medial epicondyle of the humerus and extends all the way to the proximal side of the ulna.

In other words, the LCL connects the inner side of your upper arm with the inside of your forearm.

Its main function is to ensure joint stability, particularly during rotational movement of the arm. The LCL ligament also braces your elbow against extreme pressure from external sources. It protects the joints from valgus stress and maintains a lateral-sided balance between the three main bones in your arm.

Daily activities rarely strain the LCL band.

However, prolonged use of the joint for certain motions, such as pushing and throwing can subject the ligament to laterally directed forces that can eventually cause it to rupture.

The LCL is also prone to damage due to direct trauma and forceful movement of the elbow into the varus position.

Elbow LCL injuries are often classified into three types:

  • Grade 1 – Minor pain and tenderness in the inner side of the forearm. Ligamentous integrity is maintained as less than 10% of the fibers are damaged. There may be minuscule or no tear in the soft tissues.
  • Grade 2 – There is a noticeable tear in the ligament and elbow joint laxity increases. Grade 2 LCL sprains are accompanied by major pain, swelling, and soreness along the medial side of the arm.
  • Grade 3 – Means the LCL is completely torn. Individuals experience joint immobility along with intense pain, bruising, and swelling near the elbow. A grade 3 LCL injury is likely to affect the surrounding cartilage, bony surfaces, and other structures in the elbow capsule as well.

Generally, people with grade 1 and 2 LCL strains are able to return to normal activities within 6 to 8 weeks. Treatment usually involves conventional techniques like bracing or taping, followed by physiotherapy.

However, individuals with grade 3 LCL rupture require a relatively long time period for complete rehabilitation. Nonetheless, with proper aftercare and compliance with physical therapy, it’s possible to play high-end sport within 12 – 16 months.

What Causes Elbow LCL Strain?

LCL injuries are most often caused by the overuse of the elbow joint.

Games and practices that involve repeated throwing motions or frequent stretching and contracting of the arm can overwork the ligaments, thereby causing them to tear.

Another leading cause of LCL injuries observed in the emergency department is falling on an outstretched hand.

LCL tears can also occur if you have fractured your elbow or have previously suffered a joint dislocation.

If left untreated, a minor LCL strain can gradually lead to severe complications.

This primarily includes the formation of bone spurs and scar tissue, which can further progress into neuropathy or nerve dysfunction.

Symptoms of Elbow LCL Strain or Tear

People with a strained or torn elbow LCL band typically report a combination of the following symptoms:

  • Pain in the elbow or along the medial side of the arm – Pain can be mild or severe, depending on the percentage of fibers that have been damaged.
  • Reduced range of motion – You may have difficulty performing certain movements with the affected arm. Extending or bending your elbow may become extremely hard and painful.
  • Tenderness – The elbow and inner side of the forearm may be sensitive to touch.
  • Swelling – The affected area may swell immediately after the injury or the swelling may develop after continued use of a strained ligament.
  • Numbness – You may feel a tingling sensation in the arm if the strained ligaments compress an underlying nerve in the joint capsule.
  • Bruising – You may notice skin discoloration on the inner side of the elbow. This happens when the narrow blood vessels also get torn along with the ligament.
  • Locking or catching – It might feel like your elbow gets stuck or will ‘give out’ if you try to move it at a certain angle.
  • Loss of strength in the arm and elbow – Individuals with severely torn LCL band may have trouble lifting even considerably lightweight objects, such as a racquet or a glass of water.

Who Is At Risk of Developing LCL Strain or Tear?

  • Throwing athletes like javelin players, baseball pitchers, and lacrosse players are always at high risk of tearing their LCL tissues.
  • People who frequently participate in racquet sports like tennis, badminton, golf, and squash are also likely to rupture their ulnar or radial collateral ligament at some point.
  • Construction workers are susceptible to LCL injuries, especially if they use ill-fitted equipment or follow poor tool handling techniques.
  • Overtraining at the gym or not performing proper warm-up exercises before a high-intensity workout can increase your chances of straining the LCL band.
  • People who play football, soccer, and rugby are usually at high risk of straining their lateral collateral ligament as well. This is because of the likelihood of fall involved in the game.

Amateur or adolescent athletes in contact sports can easily suffer LCL injuries due to improper arm positions.

Conditions Similar to Elbow LCL Strain

Sometimes, the symptoms of elbow LCL injury can mimic the symptoms of other elbow and hand conditions. These include:

  • Flexor tendinitis
  • Ulnar neuritis
  • Olecranon stress fracture
  • Valgus extension overload / Pitcher’s elbow
  • Posteromedial olecranon fossa impingement

Treatment for Elbow LCL Strain

If you have pain along the medial side of your elbow that doesn’t go away, it’s essential to see a doctor without delay. A physician will carefully examine the joint and may also do a medical scan (x-ray, MRI, etc.,) to confirm if it’s a lateral collateral ligament injury.

Depending on the severity of the tear, they will determine a treatment plan. This can include a combination of the following:

  • Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medicines (NSAIDs) for pain control
  • Using a brace or customized thermoplastic splint to stabilize the elbow and prevent further strain on the ligaments
  • Elbow hand therapy or elbow physiotherapy to manage pain as well as restore joint strength and function
  • Following the rest, ice, compression, elevate (RICE) regimen for speeding up recovery

People with a torn or strained elbow LCL band generally do not require surgery.

However, in some cases, it may become necessary to follow an operative procedure if the tissues rupture in conjunction with a joint fracture or bone displacement. Elbow hand therapy or elbow physiotherapy will be crucial for postoperative pain management and proper joint recovery.

How Physiotherapy Can Help People with Elbow lateral collateral ligament Injury

Physical therapy is an important protocol for healing a strained or torn lateral collateral ligament in the elbow joint.

Our expert therapists work closely with patients to prescribe the right exercises for their particular condition. The main aim is to ensure efficient recovery and help the individual regain healthy joint and muscle function.

For this, we use a range of gentle mobility and flexibility moves. When done properly under the supervision of trained physiotherapists, this can gradually help you complete the full arc of motion without any discomfort. Treatment at a physical therapy center can also include alternative methods, such as:

Our master-level therapists and physical trainers can also educate you about proper throwing mechanics and help improve your arm coordination and balance techniques during sports so you can avoid re-injury when you return to your favorite games.