Torn Ligaments
What is Torn Ligaments
A ligament is a tough band of fibrous tissue that connects bone to bone. It also connects bones to cartilage, a key element of the joints in your body.
Ligaments are quite strong but can be stretched or even torn. This results in various grades, or levels, of sprain injury.
Forcing a joint out of its normal position can result in a ligament tear. This can occur with a fall, a sudden twist, or a blow to the body.1
These injuries are common during athletic activity, since joints are in constant motion and under a lot of stress. Ligaments in the ankle, knee, and wrist are commonly affected.
Symptoms of a Torn Ligament
- Snapping, popping or a crackling sound when the injury occurs
- Pain that doesn’t improve within 24 to 72 hours
- Swelling that doesn’t lessen within 24 to 72 hours
- Bruising
- Limited ability to move the joint
- Inability to bear weight on joint
- Symptoms that get worse
Treatments
The R.I.C.E. approach—rest, ice, compression, elevation—is one of the most popular “first” treatments for ligament injuries.11
- Rest: First, stop any activity that stresses the injured joint. This allows time for it to recover.
- Ice: To minimize the swelling and pain, apply an ice pack to the injured area.
- Compression: To further reduce the swelling, wrap the injured area with an elastic bandage.
- Elevation: Raise the injured area above heart level to help control blood flow and minimize swelling.
How is a Torn Ligament Diagnosed?
- Ask you to describe your injury in full detail.
- Perform a physical exam of the injured area, asking you to squat, hop, step, flex, or bend, testing your ability to move or bear weight on a joint.
- Order imaging tests, such as an MRI, ultrasound or x-ray to confirm the diagnosis of a torn ligament or fracture.