UCL tears and tendonitis of the elbow can both have similar symptoms, which is why it is important to seek the help of an orthopedic surgeon to determine your diagnosis and treatment plan.
UCL tears and elbow tendonitis are both often caused by overuse, and both conditions may present symptoms like elbow pain and stiffness. If you hear a “pop” in your elbow when you are injured, there is a good chance you have a UCL tear. In addition, UCL tears may cause tingling and numbness in the pinky and ring fingers, but elbow tendonitis may not.