Types of ligament damage
Stretching is a mild degree of damage in which individual fibers of a ligament are stretched or torn, but it looks whole.
A tear is a partial rupture of a ligament, accompanied by more severe pain and swelling. The integrity of the ligament is broken in one segment, but it does not break.
A rupture is a complete rupture of a ligament that causes acute pain and limits joint mobility. The bundle is divided into two fragments.
Symptoms of ligament damage
Signs of sprains and ligament damage can be noticed immediately after injury. They will include:
Acute or aching pain in the area of injury. Swelling of the damaged area due to fluid accumulation and hemorrhage.
Limitation of the normal range of joint movements.
Joint instability, especially in case of ligament rupture. It may manifest as a feeling of "sinking" or "instability" of the joint.
Hematomas in the area of injury.
How to distinguish ligament damage from other injuries?
Sometimes the symptoms of ligament damage can be similar to fractures or dislocations. Only a doctor can make an accurate diagnosis after conducting an examination and additional studies (X-ray, MRI, ultrasound). In case of severe pain from ligament damage, it is necessary to seek medical help immediately to avoid complications.
Ankle ligament damage
This is one of the most common injuries, especially among athletes. The ankle joint is stabilized by several ligaments, the main of which are the anterior talofibular, posterior talofibular and calcanofibular ligaments. Most often, damage occurs when the foot is turned inwards (inversion) or outwards (eversion).
Damage to the lateral ligaments of the knee joint
The lateral ligaments of the knee joint (medial and lateral collateral ligaments) ensure the stability of the joint, preventing its excessive lateral movement. Knee ligament injuries often occur with a direct blow to the knee from the outside or inside, as well as with a sharp turn or change in direction of movement.
Damage to the cruciate ligaments of the knee joint
The cruciate ligaments of the knee joint (anterior and posterior) play a key role in stabilizing the knee, preventing its excessive anterior and posterior displacement. Anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injuries are most common in athletes, especially those involved in contact sports, skiing, football and basketball. The PKS can be damaged by sudden braking, turning, or landing on a bent leg.
What should I do in case of ligament damage?
If ligament damage is suspected, first aid should be provided immediately: apply cold, immobilize the damaged area and provide the patient with rest. It is important to contact a surgeon or traumatologist as soon as possible to determine the extent of the injury and choose a treatment method.
Diagnosis of ligament damage
During the diagnosis, the doctor examines the damaged joint, assesses the degree of swelling, mobility, sensitivity and the presence of hematomas.
Instrumental diagnostic methods can be prescribed:
Radiography to exclude bone fractures that may accompany ligament damage.
Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), which allows you to visualize the degree of ligament rupture, the presence of edema and hematomas.
Ultrasound examination (ultrasound) to assess the condition of soft tissues in real time.
The earlier the diagnosis is made, the sooner treatment can be started. This will reduce the risk of developing chronic problems such as joint instability or arthrosis.
Treatment of ligament damage
Treatment depends on the severity of the injury and may include both conservative and surgical methods.
Conservative treatment
It is prescribed for sprains and partial ruptures of ligaments. The patient is recommended to:
Reduce the load on the damaged joint so as not to injure it even more;
Apply ice to the injured area for 15-20 minutes every 2-3 hours in the first 48 hours after injury to reduce swelling and pain.
Use elastic bandages or orthoses to stabilize the joint and reduce swelling.
Take nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (ibuprofen, naproxen) to reduce pain and inflammation.
After an acute period, the patient should perform stretching and muscle strengthening exercises that will help restore joint function.
Surgical treatment
It may be required in case of complete rupture of ligaments or ineffectiveness of conservative treatment.
The main methods of surgical treatment:
Direct stitching of the ends of the torn ligament.
Ligament reconstruction using grafts in case of significant damage.
Arthroscopy, in which damaged ligaments are repaired with the help of an arthroscope (miniature camera) and instruments.
Rehabilitation
After ligament damage, it is important to properly organize the recovery. At an early stage, the patient needs to rest, perform exercises prescribed by the doctor and attend physiotherapy procedures.
Gradually, the patient should increase the volume of movements, strengthening the muscles that stabilize the joint. Over time, he will be able to return to full activity by doing exercises to restore coordination and balance.
How to prevent ligament damage?
To reduce the risk of injury, you need to exercise regularly, strengthening the muscles surrounding the joints, and stretching to improve the flexibility of the ligaments.
It is also important to avoid excessive loads. Gradually increase the intensity of training and do not forget to rest so that the body has time to adapt to new loads.
Ligament damage is a serious injury, so it is important to contact a specialist in a timely manner and treat responsibly. At Olympus Clinics, we offer qualified assistance and modern methods of diagnosis and treatment. Make an appointment for a consultation and receive support on the way to a full recovery.