A MCL tear of the elbow is an injury to the medial ulnar collateral ligament, a key stabilising ligament on the inner side of the elbow. This ligament connects the humerus (upper arm bone) to the ulna (one of the forearm bones) and helps keep the elbow stable, especially during throwing or forceful arm movements. When this ligament is overstretched or torn, it leads to pain, instability, and loss of throwing or pushing strength.

An analogy…

Imagine the elbow like a hinged door, and the MUCL is the hinge holding the inner side together. If the hinge is loosened or torn, the door wobbles or won’t close properly. That’s what happens to the elbow when the ligament tears, the joint becomes unstable and painful with movement.

What are other names that an MCL tear of the elbow can be referred to?

MCL Tear, Medial Collateral Ligament Sprain, Torn MCL, MCL Sprain, Sprained MCL, MCL Injury, Ruptured MCL, Torn Ulnar Collateral Ligament of the Elbow

What causes an MCL tear of the elbow?

The MUCL stabilises the elbow against valgus stress, which is the force that pushes the forearm away from the body while the arm is moving forward (like throwing). Repeated stress, particularly from overhead throwing (like in baseball, javelin, or cricket), can lead to microtears and weakening of the ligament. A tear may happen gradually from overuse or suddenly from a traumatic event like a hard throw or awkward fall.

What are the signs and symptoms of an MCL tear of the elbow?

• Pain on the inside of the elbow, especially during throwing or pushing
• A “pop” or tearing sensation may be felt at the moment of injury (in acute cases)
• Swelling or tenderness along the inside of the elbow
• Decreased throwing velocity or accuracy
• Weak grip strength or difficulty stabilising the forearm
• Feeling of instability or looseness in the joint, especially under load

What tests are used to diagnose an MCL tear of the elbow?

Valgus Stress Test: With the elbow slightly bent, the practitioner applies a valgus force (pushing the forearm outward while stabilising the upper arm). If this causes pain on the inside of the elbow or shows increased joint movement, the test is positive.

Moving Valgus Stress Test: The arm is moved from a flexed to an extended position while a valgus force is applied. A sharp pain between 70–120° of elbow flexion is considered a positive test.

How long does an MCL tear of the elbow take to heal?

Recovery time depends on the severity of the tear and whether surgery is required. For partial tears, rest and rehabilitation may lead to recovery within 8 to 12 weeks. For complete tears, especially in throwing athletes, surgery is often necessary. In these cases, a full return to sport can take 6 to 12 months or longer, depending on the athlete’s level of play and the progress of their rehabilitation program.

How does an MCL tear of the elbow happen?

• Overhead throwing sports
• Poor throwing mechanics or overtraining
• Inadequate shoulder, core, or forearm strength
• Sudden trauma or high-force injury to the elbow
• Prior elbow injuries or laxity
• Starting sport too early after a previous strain

What treatment can help an MCL tear of the elbow?

• Bracing to reduce strain on the ligament
• Manual therapy to relieve tightness in surrounding muscles
• A rehab program focusing on improving throwing mechanics, flexibility, and upper body strength
• Gradual return to throwing program over several months

What exercises or stretches can I do for an MCL tear of the elbow?

• Pain-free range of motion exercises
• Forearm and grip strengthening
• Shoulder and scapular stability training
• Core strength and posture correction
• Progressive throwing mechanics retraining (for return to sport)
• Eccentric loading and proprioception drills for long-term joint control

What products can help with an MCL tear of the elbow?

• Trigger Ball
• KT Pilates Band Pack