An elbow UCL (ulnar collateral ligament) sprain is a common injury that can cause immense discomfort and pain. It occurs when the ligament that connects the upper arm bone to the lower arm bone becomes stretched or torn. This type of sprain often affects athletes who use repetitive movements that strain the elbow, such as baseball pitchers and tennis players. But is it ok to push through elbow UCL sprain? In this blog post, we’ll explore the answer to this question and provide some helpful insights.
Understanding the Injury
Before we dive into answering the question, let’s first understand what elbow UCL sprain is. The UCL is one of the primary stabilizers of the elbow joint, and when it’s overstretched or torn, it causes pain and weakness in the elbow. Symptoms of an elbow UCL sprain include pain on the inside of the elbow, swelling, and limited range of motion. If not treated properly, an elbow UCL sprain can lead to constant chronic pain, joint instability, and even require surgery. The elbow UCL sprain pain may even hurt when resting.
The Importance of Rest
If you’re suffering from an elbow UCL sprain, the first thing you should do is rest. Giving your elbow sufficient time to heal is the most effective way to ensure a full recovery. Depending on the severity of your injury, your physiotherapist or chiropractor may recommend a brace or sling to immobilize your elbow and reduce stress on the ligament. They may also recommend taking a break from your physical activities which can aggravate your condition such as throwing a baseball.
Know When to Push Through
If you’re an athlete, the thought of taking time off from your sport can be daunting. However, pushing through an elbow UCL sprain can worsen your injury and lead to complications such as chronic pain or even the need for surgery. If you want to return to your sport or workout routine, it’s crucial to follow the rehabilitation plan recommended by your healthcare provider. This may involve strengthening exercises, light stretches, and gradual increases in activity as you heal.
Seeking Professional Advice
The best way to determine if it’s ok to push through an elbow UCL sprain is by consulting with your physiotherapist or chiropractor. They can assess the severity of your injury and provide a personalized treatment plan that caters to your individual needs. They can also advise you on when it’s safe to return to your physical activities and how to prevent future injuries.
Prevention is Key
Prevention is always better than cure, and this applies to an elbow UCL sprain. To prevent an elbow UCL sprain, it’s essential to engage in proper warm-up and cool-down routines before and after exercising. It’s also crucial to practice proper form and technique when performing repetitive movements such as throwing or hitting a ball. Lastly, consider taking breaks and alternating between activities to prevent overuse and strain on your elbow.
In conclusion, pushing through an elbow UCL sprain is not advisable as it can worsen your injury and lead to complications. Rest and following a rehabilitation plan is crucial for a full recovery. Consulting with a physiotherapist or chiropractor about the injury and getting personalized treatment plans is also effective. Prevention is always better than cure implying it is important for individuals to engage in proper warm-up and cool-down routines, practice proper form and technique when exercising, and consider taking breaks and alternating activities to avoid overuse and strain on the elbow. With these tips, you can prevent an elbow UCL sprain and enjoy a pain-free life.
If you have any questions or would like to explore further, please book a free, no-charge online appointment with either myself, Nitin Nair, BPT, R/TRO DIP, PT, or another Kitchener physiotherapist at CARESPACE. We are happy to listen and are here to help!
