The elbow is a complex joint that enables your arm to bend, straighten, and rotate. Given that we frequently use it for our daily activities, it is therefore susceptible to injuries. One common issue is a torn elbow ligament, which can be painful and limit your movement if not addressed promptly.
What Is a Torn Elbow Ligament?
A torn elbow ligament occurs when one of the strong bands of tissue that connect the bones in your elbow stretches too far or tears. Such an injury usually occurs due to sudden trauma, stress, or sports activities. Such ligaments hold your elbow in place, making the injury painful, weak, and hard to move.
Key Signs of a Torn Ligament in Your Elbow
Recognizing the symptoms early will help you get the appropriate treatment in time, which will help prevent the condition from worsening. Below are the seven key signs that you need to watch out for:
Sudden Sharp Pain
The pain is normally severe if there is tearing of the ligament. The pain is normally felt on the inside or outside of the elbow, depending on which ligament is torn.
Swelling and Bruising
The swelling is usually evident a few hours after the time of the elbow injury. In addition, the presence of bruises is an indication that the other tissues are damaged.
Limited Range of Motion
You may find it painful or difficult to bend, straighten, or rotate your arm, which can make tasks like turning a doorknob or picking up objects challenging.
Weak Grip Strength
As the ligaments around the elbow hold the elbow in position, the tear in the ligaments would make your grip weaker, causing you to drop things or making you think that your arm cannot hold the weight as it should.
A Popping or Tearing Sensation
There are instances when a person might even feel a pop or a tearing sensation when the ligament tears. This is a symptom of a serious injury, which should not be ignored.
Tenderness Around the Elbow
The area near the torn ligament may be tender to the touch. This tenderness usually becomes worse if the area is pressed or if the elbow is moved.
Joint Instability
If the ligament is badly torn, your elbow may feel unstable. This means that when you are pushing against something or lifting something, your arm might feel like it might give way.
Final Thoughts
A torn ligament in the elbow can vary from mild to severe, but the key to healing is to detect it early. When any of the aforementioned symptoms are noticed, it is important to take rest, apply ice, and seek medical attention.
For proper care and treatment, you can always contact Dr. Omar S. Dimachkieh. With personalized treatments, you can restore strength and stability to your elbow. Call us at (713) 794-3463 to schedule your appointment today!