Sprained ligaments and muscles are one of the most common problems that affect the musculoskeletal system. Usually the lower limbs (foot) are affected due to their special structure.
In addition, sprains often occur in the knee, calf and thigh muscles.
For minor injuries, sprains and sprains can be treated at home. For these purposes, medicinal ointments are used to eliminate pain and speed up the recovery process. In addition, it is necessary to immobilize the injured areas of the limbs to reduce the level of stress placed on the ligaments and muscles.
Muscle strain is diagnosed in cases where partial rupture of fibers is detected, which occurs under heavy loads. Most often, professional athletes experience such injuries.
Treatment is primarily aimed at achieving the following results:
The duration of treatment directly depends on the nature of the injury and its severity. Recovery from a sprain usually takes at least one week. The effectiveness of treatment is primarily influenced by how the patient follows the recommendations given by the doctor.
In the treatment of sprained muscles and ligaments of the leg, experts prescribe the following procedures:
Treatment for muscle sprains, which preserves the integrity of the ligaments, consists of two days of bed rest, supplemented by the use of pain-relieving ointments.
At the initial stage of joint restoration, ointments are used for sprained ligaments in the leg, which have anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects. The choice is explained by the fact that:
For these purposes, the following groups of medications are used:
But also to treat sprained muscles and ligaments in the legs, doctors recommend using ointments based on steroid hormones. The effectiveness of such drugs is explained by the fact that hormones suppress inflammatory processes in the joints and reduce swelling by reducing the permeability of the walls of blood vessels.
The choice of any medicine should be based on the recommendations of a doctor. Since the drugs may contain components to which the patient may develop an allergic reaction. In addition, it is not recommended to buy ointments that have an analgesic effect on your own in cases where the skin has been damaged due to injury.
Below is a short list of ointments, creams and gels that can be used to relieve pain from damage to ligaments and muscles:
A good effect is achieved through a combination of ointment and Troxevasin tablets.
Warming ointments should be used only on the third day after spraining the ligaments or muscles of the legs. Such agents help to expand the walls of small blood vessels, thereby improving local blood circulation. As a result, the focus of inflammation subsides and the process of regeneration of damaged ligaments is accelerated.
Warming ointments are divided into two types:
Such preparations contain camphor, essential vegetable oils, and nicotinic acid. By heating the affected area, the walls of blood vessels expand, which promotes rapid recovery. If the burning sensation is severe, it is recommended to apply vegetable oil.
It is important to note that warming ointments are contraindicated for use in the following cases:
Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory ointments should not be used for a long time, since their components quickly penetrate into the blood and have an effect on the entire body. A similar recommendation applies to hormonal drugs. The latter, with long-term use, have a negative effect on internal organs, including the adrenal glands.
Before use, a small amount of warming ointment should be applied to the skin to check for an allergic reaction. Subsequently, the drug is used 3 times a day. It is necessary to rub it in, massaging the joint at the site of the sprain. In addition, to avoid the ointment getting on the mucous membranes, it should be applied with gloves.
Ointments used to relieve swelling when the muscles and ligaments of the leg are sprained contain components that suppress the activity of inflammatory mediators. At the same time, such drugs eliminate pain.
To relieve swelling in the area of sprained ligaments and muscles, use:
Such ointments help stabilize blood vessels. To enhance the achieved effect, compresses consisting of calendula, plantain and mint can be applied to damaged limbs.
The best drug for restoring ligaments is one that, firstly, does not cause an allergic reaction, and, secondly, can be used at all stages of treatment.
Many of us have had to deal with various injuries to the lower extremities. Any careless movement, and especially active sports, can cause rupture of the ligaments of various joints on the leg: ankle, knee, hip or foot.
Injuries occur quite often and no one is immune from them. Traumatologists especially often encounter ruptured ligaments of the lower extremities in winter, when roads and sidewalks are covered with ice.
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As you know, the human lower limbs consist of the following joints:
The ligaments of these joints are formations of connective tissue. Their main function is to connect and secure parts of the human skeleton, in this case the legs. Thanks to ligaments, the bones in the leg are fixed in the correct position and can correctly perform their main musculoskeletal function. It follows from this that any damage to the ligaments, and even more so their rupture, leads to limited functioning of a person’s lower extremities and loss of ability to work.
Rupture of the ligaments of the knee joint and other joints of the lower extremities can occur as a result of the following reasons:
Any rupture of the ligaments of the lower extremities can be of two types, depending on the degree of damage to the ligamentous apparatus:
As for the reasons that resulted in ligament rupture, injuries can also be of two types:
This disease, among other things, in medical practice is classified according to the severity of ligament rupture, as well as the intensity of tissue damage. There are three main degrees of severity of leg ligament rupture:
- The first, least intense, in which micro-tears of the ligaments are observed, and the patency of blood vessels and nerve endings is not impaired. The symptoms in this case are mild, the limited mobility of the lower limb is minimal. This degree does not require complex treatment or hospitalization of the victim, and complete recovery with a favorable prognosis occurs in 1-2 weeks .
- The second, medium degree of intensity, which is characterized by partial rupture of the fibers of the joints. All symptoms in this case are quite pronounced, and the mobility of the injured joint is minimal. This stage requires qualified treatment, the duration of which is 3 - 6 weeks . The prognosis in most cases is favorable.
- The third, the most severe, which is characterized by complete rupture of the joint ligaments or separation from the bone. In this case, damage to the muscle tissue and joint capsule is noted. The symptoms are intense, there is significant hemorrhage, and movement of the injured leg is impossible. A long and complex treatment, as well as a rehabilitation period, is expected. In some cases, surgical intervention is advisable. Recovery occurs in at least 6 weeks . The prognosis can be favorable if all doctor's instructions are followed.
Rupture of the ligaments of the ankle, hip or knee have their own characteristics. However, each type of injury has symptoms characteristic of ligament rupture:
First of all, when making a diagnosis, the doctor examines the injured limb and studies all complaints and manifestations of pathology. In this case, the injured joint of the lower limb is compared with a healthy one.
To clarify the diagnosis, it is advisable to carry out some additional examinations:
If there is a suspicion of a rupture of the hip ligaments, then in this case the provision of unqualified assistance can only aggravate the situation , and all attempts at self-treatment will be ineffective. In this situation, it would only be advisable to provide complete rest to the patient and try to hospitalize him as soon as possible.
In all other cases of damage to the ligaments of the lower extremities, you can resort to the following measures:
In most cases with ruptured ligaments of the lower extremities, conservative treatment is used. It comes down to applying a tight bandage or plaster splint. This measure will provide rest to the injured joint.
Also, treatment in this case involves taking painkillers and anti-inflammatory drugs. These can be either tablets or injections. Some ointments are used quite effectively for treatment: Nurofen, Efkamon or Fastum.
As for surgical intervention or, in other words, the operation, any experienced surgeon or traumatologist will be able to determine the appropriateness of this measure, taking into account the severity of the injury, associated injuries, as well as the results of gentle treatment methods.
However, after treatment, both surgical and conservative, recovery does not occur immediately. The next stage, which involves complete restoration of the ligaments and a return to a normal way of life, is rehabilitation. At this stage, it is advisable to use the following measures:
In most cases, rupture of lower extremity ligaments has a favorable prognosis. However, such injuries often have quite disastrous consequences and can even cause disability . Achieving complete restoration of the affected joint and the functioning of the entire leg is possible only with timely initiation of treatment, compliance with all instructions of the attending physician and completion of a full course of rehabilitation.
Hip injuries lead in traumatology statistics. The legs literally take the first blow in a variety of situations: sports, falls, car accidents. We will talk about sprained muscles and ligaments of the thigh - an injury that cannot be called severe, but it requires quite a long treatment.
Injuries to the muscles and ligaments of the thigh are classified by location, degree of damage and severity.
There are three muscles located here (semitendinosus, semimembranosus and biceps), responsible for flexion of the leg at the knee and extension at the hip joint. Intense movements on insufficiently warmed or unprepared muscles lead to their damage.
The internal group of muscles is responsible for bringing the legs together and flexing the knee joint. Injured when trying to do the splits without preparation, squats and strong swings of the legs. The adductor longus muscle is most susceptible to stretching, which happens in sports such as fencing, football, speed skating, handball, skiing, and athletics (high jump).
Since this muscle (quadriceps) is the most massive in the human body, it is injured only under strong impact (usually excessive load in professional sports) - contraction of muscle tissue when trying to sharply slow down a high speed of movement. The rectus muscle of this group is most often damaged, which, unlike the others, is attached to two joints: the hip and knee.
In the area of the hip joint there is a whole group of hip muscles that provide complex movements of the leg (flexion, extension, adduction, abduction, rotation). These are the gluteal, gluteus medius, deep gluteus, biceps femoris, semitendinosus, semimembranosus, quadratus femoris and others. Their damage occurs quite often, and not only during sports. The main mechanism is an unexpected contraction, which happens during a fall, impact, or excessive physical activity in physically unprepared people.
This is a more severe injury than a muscle strain. It is preceded by prolonged tension in the connective tissue, which leads to thinning of the fibers and loss of their elastic properties. Sprains are possible in the hip and knee areas.
The ligaments of the hip joint are injured in the following situations:
A characteristic feature of this injury is that symptoms appear not at the moment of impact, but with repeated stress.
Severity of tendon sprain:
The first two degrees are not considered complex and are treated conservatively.
Severe degrees are dangerous due to complications and incomplete restoration of movement, and therefore require hospitalization and surgical treatment.
Regardless of the location and type of injury (muscle or ligament), hip injury has common symptoms:
The prevalence of edema and hematoma, the severity of pain are additional criteria for the severity of the injury.
Diagnosis begins with a detailed questioning of the patient about the circumstances of the injury. It is important not only to find the place of greatest intensity of symptoms, but also to find out how the patient pulled the muscles and tendons. Sometimes, due to severe swelling and pain, palpation of the injury site is difficult, so it is the patient’s story that serves as the basis for making a diagnosis. The surgeon flexes and extends the leg and asks the patient to lean on it. After these manipulations, the diagnosis becomes clear. To exclude bone fractures, joint dislocations, and ligament ruptures, radiography and computed tomography are prescribed.
The success of therapy for sprained muscles and ligaments of the hip depends on timely and correctly provided first aid. In the future, tactics are determined by the severity of the damage.
For injuries of any location, there is a clear first aid algorithm. For sprains and tears of the muscles and ligaments of the thigh, it is as follows:
In any case, the victim is taken to the hospital to clarify the diagnosis and exclude more serious pathologies (fractures, complete rupture of muscles and ligaments).
With the first and second severity of muscle and ligament injuries (when there is no complete rupture of muscle fibers and ligaments), the patient is treated independently at home. He must strictly follow the following recommendations:
A torn knee ligament is a common traumatic injury in which the fibers of the knee ligaments that support the tibia and femur are completely or partially torn. According to statistics, damage to the ligaments of the knee joint accounts for about 70% of all injuries to the knee joint, ruptures account for 30%.
Rupture of the knee ligaments is not life-threatening, however, its symptoms, such as severe pain and inability to move the knee joint, lead to short-term disability. With severe ligament ruptures, many patients may remain disabled. This article describes the causes, symptoms, diagnosis and treatment of knee ligament rupture.
With the help of modern technologies and medications, knee ligament rupture can be cured either by conservative treatment or surgery.
In case of rupture of the ligaments of the knee joint ICD-10 code: S80-S89.
Knee ligament tears must be classified in order to determine the diagnosis and treatment of this specific type of tear.
According to the type of damaged ligaments, knee joint rupture is divided into:
There are 3 degrees of knee ligament rupture:
Knee ligament ruptures can be complete or incomplete.
There are also combined ruptures, in which several ligaments of the knee joint are damaged.
Risk factors for knee ligament ruptures include:
The main cause of knee ligament damage is trauma. The main criterion on which the diagnosis is based is the mechanism of injury. An injury that can lead to rupture of the ligaments of the knee joint is movement and load on the joint of maximum volume and amplitude. With this movement, the knee joint is unable to perform its functions. Such situations arise:
Ligament damage depends on the mechanism of injury. The force applied at the time of injury determines whether the tear will be partial or complete.
The following are common symptoms of knee ligament rupture:
Symptoms of knee ligament damage may vary depending on the specific ligament affected. When the meniscal ligaments are damaged, the joint becomes unstable, jams, or clicks during movements.
When the posterior or anterior cruciate ligament ruptures, severe pain inside the knee, swelling with “balloting” of the patella, and anterior or posterior mobility of the lower leg occur.
Symptoms of damage to the internal collateral ligament are characterized by the presence of local pain along the inner surface of the knee joint, which is combined with pathological mobility of the lower leg during abduction.
If the external collateral ligament is damaged, pain occurs along the outer surface of the knee joint, as well as pathological mobility when the lower leg is abducted inward. With combined ruptures of the ligaments of the knee joint, symptoms characteristic of those ligaments that are damaged occur.
Diagnosis of knee ligament rupture is based on the following methods:
Diagnosing a ruptured knee ligament is not particularly difficult. However, further treatment depends on the correctness of diagnostic methods. The consequences of traumatic ligament damage can lead to permanent loss of joint function, so if the ligaments of the knee joint are torn, it is important to correctly diagnose which ligament has been torn.
If you suspect knee ligament damage, the following actions should be taken:
Important! If you suspect a ruptured knee ligament, you should not take aspirin-containing medications as a pain reliever. In this case, its action will be aimed at increasing bleeding in the joint, thereby complicating the diagnosis.
Therapeutic methods and treatment for knee ligament rupture depend on the type of injury and its extent. Surgical and conservative methods are used to treat knee ligament ruptures. Conservative therapy consists of the use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs in the form of ointments or tablets, massage, and physiotherapeutic treatments.
The patient wants to know immediately how long it takes for a ruptured knee ligament to heal, but this period is individual.
Conservative treatment methods are used for first or second degree ruptures. The course of treatment with conservative therapy should last about 2 months. After this, another month of rehabilitation of the patient. The time it takes to restore limb function depends on the individual characteristics of the individual patient.
Surgical treatment is performed for severe ruptures of the knee ligaments. The tactics of surgical treatment depend on the duration of the disease. Treatment for a rupture involves suturing the damaged ligaments. If the damage is severe and the fibers cannot be restored, then surgery is used to strengthen the ligamentous apparatus using a tendon. If the above methods do not help, then knee ligament replacement using synthetic materials is used.
If the anterior cruciate ligament is torn, treatment is prescribed in the first week. If the treatment period is delayed, then it is no longer possible to restore the ligaments. In this case, only endoprosthetics will help.
It is important to consult a specialist in a timely manner to avoid complications.
After surgical treatment, it is necessary to immobilize the affected limb and fix the knee joint in a stable position. Physiotherapeutic treatment methods involve the use of magnetic therapy, electrophoresis and other treatment methods immediately after injury. During treatment, it is necessary to avoid any stress on the limb. If this is not done, complications will arise.
When performing arthroscopy, spinal anesthesia is used. After inserting the endoscope into the joint cavity, it is inspected. When knee ligaments are torn, meniscal damage may often be present. If the meniscus is damaged, its marginal resection is performed. The damaged areas of the ligament are sutured and the wound is closed. For complete ruptures of the ligament and if it is impossible to stitch the damaged areas, a graft is used. The operation lasts no more than an hour. After this, the patient remains in the intensive care unit for about 2 hours to monitor possible complications after surgery.
If you suspect a ruptured knee ligament, the patient should consult a specialist as soon as possible.
Prevention of ligament rupture lies primarily in proper rational training. It is necessary to strengthen the muscular frame of the limbs to prevent ruptures. Don't overdo it with exercise.
If a complete rupture of the ligaments occurs, urgent surgical treatment is necessary. There are the following types of operations on the ligamentous apparatus of the knee joint:
Ligament rupture is a violation of the integrity of the ligamentous apparatus of the knee joint. Occurs due to traumatic injury. The frequency of occurrence among men is higher than among women. The main symptoms of knee ligament rupture are severe pain, swelling, hematoma, impaired motor function, and the inability to perform certain movements depending on the damage to a particular ligament. Ligament rupture is diagnosed using radiography, MRI, ultrasound of the knee joint, palpation, examination and, in extreme cases, arthroscopy.
Treatment depends on each specific case and can be conservative or surgical. The prognosis for life with timely treatment is favorable.
To paraphrase a well-known proverb, we can say that a person in the modern dynamic world is “fed by his feet.” And even if the direct work involves a long stay in a sitting position, the lower limbs are subject to serious stress and the risk of injury.
There are often cases when a patient, who is not a professional athlete or runner (who have a significantly higher risk of receiving such injuries), consults a doctor with severe pain in the leg or in really difficult situations with impaired functionality of the limb. Research shows torn ligaments in the leg.
Ligaments are formations of connective tissues of increased density, like tendons; such tissues take an active part in the activity of the musculoskeletal system. By fixing the connections of the parts of the skeleton and ensuring normal movement of the joints, the ligaments on the leg experience heavy loads during running, walking, and squats. The most commonly affected tissues are the knee, ankle and foot. An untrained muscle or other tissue is much easier to damage than a trained one, which is why non-athletes often go to the doctor with torn ligaments in the leg.
Any dysfunction of the lower extremities causes a lot of inconvenience. If the integrity of the ligaments in the leg is damaged, treatment is not started on time, then complications are possible, such as impaired joint mobility, re-rupture or stretching of neighboring tissues.
Please note that the symptoms of a torn ligament injury in the leg are similar to other injuries, such as a sprain, bruise, or even a fracture. Therefore, under no circumstances should you engage in self-diagnosis and self-medication. Be sure to consult your doctor before undertaking any medical procedures.
It should also be remembered that traditional methods are not nearly as effective in treating this type of damage. Traditional medicine is aimed at full or maximum possible restoration of limb mobility, while traditional methods often remove pain, changing symptoms, and therefore delaying the time to see a doctor. This in turn can lead to improper healing of the tear.
If a person tore ligaments in his leg, the first thing he will feel is unbearable pain that does not subside over time. In this case, it is impossible to move the limb, regardless of the location of the pain, and over time, below the site of the rupture, the sensitivity of the leg disappears, and large swelling appears.
So, the main symptoms of injury:
In some cases, characteristic of completely torn tissues, movements are not difficult, but, on the contrary, unnatural. So, if the knee is damaged, the kneecap may move unnaturally. Swelling may also include bruising and be bluish in color.
As already noted, diagnosing such an injury is quite difficult due to its similarity with other injuries. If at least one of the signs appears, you must immediately consult a doctor and begin treatment immediately.
As already noted, the injury can be divided according to the location: rupture of the knee ligaments, rupture of the auxiliary apparatus of the ankle, when the Achilles tendon is damaged.
Injuries are also divided according to the degree of damage:
There are traumatic and degenerative disorders. Traumatic ruptures occur due to load or a sharp push, hitting the feet on a hard surface. A striking example of such damage would be a partial tear of the ligament by a woman who wears too high heels. Degenerative damage occurs due to wear and tear of the tissues or insufficient blood supply when the tissues do not receive the necessary amount of nutrients. Such injuries often occur in older people.
There are also three degrees of severity of damage. Symptoms of the highest degree are more pronounced and stronger:
The process of treating a ruptured ligament in the leg is quite long and complex, but timely diagnosis and selected procedures help restore the mobility of the limb almost to its original level.
To suspect a patient has a tendon or ligament rupture, the doctor only needs to collect a detailed history, namely, answers to questions such as when acute pain began, what preceded it, how the swelling developed. But additional research helps confirm the conclusions:
X-ray eliminates the possibility of joint dislocations, bone fractures, or, on the contrary, confirms them. Ultrasound helps to examine free fluids in the joint, and tomography helps determine the number of torn tissue bundles, and during the treatment process shows the dynamics of recovery. Arthroscopy involves inserting an arthroscope (an optical device for examining hidden places) into the damaged cavity. Statistics show that detailed arthroscope examinations significantly improve the process of diagnosis and treatment planning.
As a rule, there is no need to use all diagnostic methods. For an experienced attending physician, 1-2 research procedures are enough to verify the correctness of the diagnosis.
How long does it take for a break to heal? The timing of treatment and complete restoration of the ligament depends not only on correct diagnosis, but also on correctly provided first aid. The healing time of a rupture directly depends on its degree. So, if the damage is the mildest (grade 1), then after 10-15 days the tissues will completely grow together. More complex cases require longer resumption.
At the first symptoms of a disorder, apply a cold compress to the joint. You can also apply cold to a nearby muscle, because disorders of not only connective tissues, but also other tissues are likely.
After applying a compress, try to immobilize the area and give your leg maximum rest. Ideally, you need to apply a splint. And only then take the victim to a doctor.
How to treat a torn ligament in the leg depends on the class of injury. After additional research, when the doctor is convinced that the degree of violation is I or II, a plaster cast is applied to the damaged area. After three weeks, the plaster is removed, and the victim is prescribed a course of physical therapy, physiotherapeutic procedures, and a healing massage. Physical therapy complex (physical therapy) helps strengthen nearby muscles, relieves tension from the joint, and improves mobility. A course of massage normalizes the flow of fluids in the injured area and relieves muscle spasms. Victims are recommended not only to undergo a massage course, but also to learn self-massage techniques and use them regularly.
Grade III injuries require surgical intervention. A rupture is dangerous not only in itself, but also due to additional delaminations of connective tissue fibers. Torn fibers are surgically stitched together, and in particularly difficult situations, tissue is transplanted from other areas. Postoperative recovery includes courses of exercise therapy, massage, physiotherapy, but takes six months or more.
The main prevention of such injuries is training the leg muscles, nutritious nutrition, warming up the joints, which improves blood circulation in the tissues. Overweight people are also at risk of injury, and therefore it is still necessary to monitor their physiological proportions. In adulthood, in addition to a balanced diet and additional exercise, it is recommended to use vitamin and mineral complexes that contribute to the harmonious maintenance of the health of the body.
Increased physical activity, an unsuccessful fall or landing with support on limbs can result in injury. Ligament rupture is a common problem not only for professional athletes, but also for ordinary people. Often the rupture is accompanied by a fracture. Due to the large number of nerve endings, complete or partial rupture of the ligaments is accompanied by severe pain. Along with this, internal hemorrhage, swelling of soft tissues and an increase in local temperature begin. What to do if a ligament is torn?
A ligament is a dense cord that looks like a belt, consisting of a large number of connective tissue fibers. Ligaments connect the bones of a joint or hold internal organs in a stable, stationary state. They can perform different functions: inhibit or direct movement in a joint, strengthen the articulation of bones or support internal organs.
Due to damage, the ligaments cease to fulfill their role. As a result, the victim experiences joint instability and displacement of internal organs.
The causes of sprained or torn ligaments lie in movements that are not typical for the joint, twisting or bending. This happens when playing sports, on extreme recreation, or during sudden awkward movements with weights. A rupture can be called the extreme stage of stretching: if the ligament is subjected to too much stress, its strength characteristics cannot withstand and it ruptures.
The most common injuries of this type are ruptured ligaments of the knee, ankle and wrist joint. Ankle sprain occurs when landing incorrectly after a jump in gymnastics, basketball and volleyball, and in everyday life, for example, when falling on a slippery road. If a person tries to support himself with his hands when he loses his balance, he can sprain or rupture the ligaments in his wrist.
Another cause of damage is impact physical work, when unprepared muscles and joints experience excessive stress. After 40-45 years, the body experiences age-related changes. This also applies to the ligamentous apparatus, especially if bone growths - osteophytes - begin to form in the joints. Their sharp edges can cut or tear the ligament.
You can suspect a gap:
These are common signs of a breakup. For each joint, specific criteria can be identified.
Signs of a tear in the elbow joint:
Signs of a torn wrist ligament:
Symptoms of a torn ligament:
In the case of the hip joint, ligament rupture is quite rare; sprains are more common. It is characterized by all the symptoms mentioned above - pain, swelling and limited movement.
A knee injury often results in a tear of the external or internal collateral ligament of the knee joint. If, when bending the knee, the tibia deviates outward, then the internal collateral ligament is torn, and if inward, then the external ligament is torn.
In addition, the knee joint has an anterior and posterior cruciate ligament. Drawer syndrome helps identify the gap. The patient should bend his leg at the knee, with the lower leg clearly moving forward or backward. In the first case, we are talking about a rupture of the posterior cruciate ligament, and in the second, an injury to the anterior ligament.
Another important ligament in the knee is the meniscus. Movements are accompanied by sharp pain, as if a nail had been driven into the knee. The knee cannot be completely bent or straightened; it is more comfortable for the patient to keep the leg in a slightly bent position. Because of the pain, it is difficult to step on the leg or it seems that it is about to give way.
Rupture of the ankle ligaments is accompanied by all the main symptoms - pain, swelling, hematomas in the ankle area, etc. It is very painful to step on your foot, and the pain intensifies when walking.
During the examination, the doctor may detect drawer syndrome. With one hand, the doctor fixes the patient's leg at the ankle, and with the other he lightly presses on the back of the foot. When a ligament ruptures, it moves forward too easily.
Rupture of the ligaments that hold internal organs occurs during road traffic accidents, falls from a height, etc. Most often, a person ends up in a hospital where they undergo an examination. It is difficult to independently distinguish a ligament rupture from other internal injuries.
To make an accurate diagnosis, it is necessary to undergo an X-ray examination, ultrasound, computed tomography or magnetic resonance imaging of the damaged joint. Depending on the case, the doctor may order one or more tests. After identifying all the injuries, the traumatologist will decide what treatment should be.
After an injury, a person suspected of having a ligament tear should avoid moving the affected joint. First aid involves applying an ice bottle wrapped in a damp towel to the affected area. This will reduce internal bleeding, swelling and pain.
If an arm or leg is injured, the person lying down should raise it as high as possible - on pillows or on the back of a chair or sofa. With an elevated position of the limb, less blood enters the tissues, venous outflow improves, swelling decreases, so the pain gradually subsides. If the victim is experiencing severe pain, it is recommended to take an available painkiller - ibuprofen, diclofenac or analgin.
When ligaments are torn, treatment is carried out using conservative methods: orthopedic bandages, anti-inflammatory and painkillers, warming ointments, physiotherapy and exercise therapy.
In pharmacies you can find special supports to protect damaged ligaments of the shoulder, elbow, knee and ankle. An alternative could be an elastic bandage. If you have a sprained ankle, your podiatrist may recommend wearing special shoes to help reduce activity and reduce swelling. At night, the bandage and support are removed.
For grade 2 sprains or a complete rupture, a cast is applied. Within 2-3 days after the injury, the ligaments should rest, the joint itself and the surrounding muscles should be kept completely at rest. Then you can do simple movements, such as bending and straightening the joint. The amplitude of movements is selected based on pain. If the joint hurts, the load is reduced and then gradually increased.
To relieve pain and reduce inflammation, patients are prescribed non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs - ortofen, diclofenac or ketanov. For serious injuries, medication injections are given directly into the joint. Along with this, the joint is rubbed several times a day with warming and anti-inflammatory ointments - fastum-gel, indomethacin, ketonal, etc.
Completely torn ligaments of the knee, elbow and ankle joints are most often treated surgically. A rupture of the meniscus or collateral ligaments of the knee is the sphere of activity of the surgeon. With timely surgical treatment, the functions of the knee are completely restored, but after the operation the patient must continue treatment. After the sutures have healed, physiotherapy is prescribed - UHF, paraffin therapy, ultrasound, magnetic therapy, etc. Physiotherapy is often combined with manual therapy, massage and physical therapy exercises.
Prolonged immobility leads to muscle atrophy and decreased mobility. Full recovery from a sprain may take several weeks or months. It all depends on the severity of the injury and the speed of tissue regeneration.