Ligaments are structures in your body that help provide stability for your bones. A tear in any ligament, commonly known as a sprain, can cause instability that can lead to further injury. Symptoms of a torn ligament include pain, swelling and problems maintaining stability of a joint. These injuries generally occur in the knees, ankles, hands and arms, although they can occur anywhere a ligament exists. Treatment depends on the severity of the injury and may include surgical intervention, immobilization, medication and physical and occupational therapies.
Torn Ligaments
Torn ligaments typically occur in the parts of your body that you tend to use the most. A simple fall, twist or traumatic injury can all cause a torn ligament and the severity of pain and other symptoms is related to the severity of the tear. In mind cases, pain, swelling and tenderness may be present but can usually be treated at home with anti-inflammatories or other medications for pain, combined with application of an ice pack or similar cold object. If you feel instability in the joint or severe pain, more invasive therapies may be necessary.
Surgery
In some cases, a torn ligament may require surgical repair followed by physical and possibly occupational therapies. Surgery to repair a torn anterior cruciate ligament (ACL), found in your knee, is a common repair procedure. The surgeon uses a graft made from another tendon to stabilize the tendon of your knee. The torn tendon, explains the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, is not sutured back together because this has been shown to cause instability and more tearing. Without surgery to repair a torn ACL, the knee joint can remain unstable and prone to additional injury.
Range of Motion Exercises
Despite the potential pain and swelling, Dr. Kevin R. Stone of the Stone Clinic explains that maintaining complete immobility can be detrimental to the outcome of an injured ligament. With your doctor's approval and possibly, with the assistance of a physical therapist, you should begin to use small range of motion exercises to loosen the tendon as it heals. Apply heat prior to exercising to help loosen the muscles and ice afterward to reduce swelling. Your doctor or therapist should provide you with an appropriate group of exercises, based on the site and severity of your torn ligament.
Strengthening Exercises
In addition to range of motion activities, Stone also explains that strengthening exercises are generally recommended within 24 hours of a torn ligament, with doctor's approval. The muscles that are exercised depend on where the injured ligament is located. As an example, if you have a torn ligament in your ankle, Stone suggests that you strengthen the muscles of your lower leg, including your calves. This too, provides stability to the torn ligament and prevents weakening of the muscle tissue that can cause another injury.
