What is an ulnar collateral ligament sprain?
A sprain to the ulnar collateral ligament occurs when the ligament gets stretched or torn, usually as a result of an injury. The severity of the sprain may be mild (grade I), moderate (grade II) or severe (grade III). Severe tears usually mean that the ulnar collateral ligament is completely torn. What does an ulnar collateral ligament sprain feel like? Depending on the severity of the sprain, an ulnar collateral ligament sprain may or may not hurt right away. There may be bruising, tenderness at the bottom of the thumb, swelling and/or an inability to grasp items between the thumb and index finger. What causes an ulnar collateral ligament sprain? Any type of injury in which the thumb is pulled away from the index finger can result in an ulnar collateral ligament sprain. For example, falling on an outstretched arm and landing on the tip of the thumb. The ulnar collateral ligament can also be injured with repetitive gripping between the thumb and index finger leading to gradual loosenin
