Torn Ligaments

Ligament Tears

Ligaments are soft tissue that connects bones to bones in the joints, allowing for the required combination of stability and flexibility. While ligaments are designed to be very strong and withstand a high degree of wear and tear, they are still prone to injury if they undergo too much stress.

A ligament tear will occur if the joint is met with extreme force or pressure. These tears commonly affect the ankle, knee, wrist, thumb, neck, or back. A ligament tear can also form if a sprain is left untreated and does not receive timely care.

Causes

If a joint is stretched too far out of its typical range of motion, it can develop a sprain. In severe cases, the ligaments can actually become torn if there is too much force placed on the joint. Frequent causes of ligament tears include:

Falling
Sports-related injuries
Repetitive motion strains
Excessive force on a joint

Treatments

In most cases, ligament tears can be treated through conservative treatment. Smaller tears should be able to heal on their own time, with the primary goal of treatment being to limit excessive motion and manage symptoms. Treatment options include:

Rest and changes to daily activity to limit movement
Splinting or bracing to stabilize the joint
Over-the-counter medication to relieve pain and inflammation
Cold compression, such as an ice pack, to relieve swelling and to numb the area

Symptoms

In many cases, ligament tears are fairly easy to recognize, but in some cases, the tear may go unnoticed. This is why seeking professional care is important to lower the risk of any injury worsening. Symptoms of a ligament tear to watch out for include:

Localized pain in the joint
Limited range of motion
Visible swelling
Tenderness

If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, it is vital to receive a proper diagnosis so that you can begin with treatment. BEST Health System offers patients a special treatment plan that is curated for them, specifically.

Surgical Options

For the most severe tears, there is a range of surgical techniques that surgeons utilize. Ligament tear surgery is completely dependent on the location and severity of the tear. If you have been diagnosed with a ligament tear, reach out to BEST Health System and allow our team to brief you on our array of treatment options.