Ligament Tear
(Symptoms)
This page will help answer your questions about ligament tears.
- What are ligaments?
- Ligaments are band-like tissues that help connect bones, joints, and organs, holding them in place. Ligaments have important functions, including:
- Allowing joints to move in the directions they are designed to move.
- Connecting bones to each other.
- Preventing joint twisting.
Stabilizing muscles and bones.
- Strengthening joints.
- Ligament tears commonly occur in:
- Ankle, knee, or wrist.
- Back.
Neck.
Thumb or fingers.
- What are the typesof ligament tears?
- If a person suffers a ligament tear, a specialist doctor will assess theseverity using several methods, one of which classifies the tear into three grades:
- Grade 1: Mild tear. The patient mayexperience some mild pain and discomfort.
Grade 2: Moderate tear. The ligament ispartially torn, and the patient likely feelssevere pain and tenderness when touched.
Grade 3: Severe tear. The ligament is completely torn, and the patient probably feels intense pain and high sensitivity when touched.
What causes ligament tears?
Common causes of ligament tears include twisting parts of the body or landing heavily or awkwardly on a joint. Tears often happen when ligaments are stretched fully and then subjected to trauma or injury.
Ankle sprains, which are mild tears of ankle ligaments, often occur during walking or running when the foot lands awkwardly andtwists. The knee and ankle ligaments are more prone to tearing because they bear weight and are often under high stress.
How is a ligament tear managed?RICE.
If the tear is mild, such as a simple ankle sprain, it can often be treated at home. Orthopedic doctors often recommend following the RICE protocol:RICE:
- Rest: Avoid putting weight on the injured part for at least one toRest):two days, and avoid lifting anything with the affected wrist, elbow, or shoulder.
- Ice: Apply ice or a cold pack to the injured area for 10 minutes every 30 minutes to an hour during theIce):first 2 to 3 days. Use a thin, damp cloth to cover the ice; do not apply ice directly on the skin.
- Compression: Wrap the injured area with an elastic bandageCompression):or use a compression brace suitable for the injury.
- Elevation: Keep the injured area above heart level. This is easiestElevation):when lying down and slightly raising the leg or arm.
Treatment plans vary based on:
- Location of the tear.
- Severity of the injury.
- Patient’s tolerance of different treatments.
Some cases may require a splint, crutches, or surgery to repair the torn ligament. After surgery or immobilization, physical therapy and rehabilitation may be needed to restore health and function.
When should you see a doctor?
Although some ligament tears are relatively mild, they should not be underestimated. You should see a doctor immediately if:
Pain and swelling do not improve within 24 to 72 hours.
You cannot put weight on the injured area.
Symptoms worsen.
The doctor will perform an examination and may order tests to diagnose the injury and provide appropriate treatment based on the grade of the injury.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Who is most at risk for ligament tears?
- People who play contact sports, such as hockey and football, or sports that involve frequent changes in direction. like basketball and tennis, are more prone to ligament injuries.
- What are the symptoms of a ligament tear?
- If a person suffers a ligament tear, they may experience:
- Bruising.
- Feeling of instability in the injured joint.
- Pain.
