LIGAMENT

Ligament injuries are very common, especially in the hand as it is so exposed and so widely used in day to day activities. Ligament injuries are typically partial tears known as sprains.

LIGAMENT

What is a Ligament?

Ligaments connect most of the bones of the body. Ligaments are tough, short bands of tissue that is flexible. Ligaments are made up of individual fibers and connects the bones of the body together.

Torn Ligaments

Athletes typically have injuries of the ligaments and can happen at any of the joints. The ankle and knee are the most common areas for athletes to be injured. This is not sport specific.

Whenever joints are stressed beyond normal range ligaments can be strained. Landing awkwardly or twisting can cause a ligament injury.

It is typical when a particular joint is stretched beyond its limits the ligaments can tear away from the bone.

Injury to the knee ligaments and the ankle ligaments are the most common ligaments that are torn. This happens because those joints are weight bearing, under a lot of stress while participating in sports that change direction or full contact sports.

There are 3 Grades of Ligament Injury:

Grade l : Mild ligament tear
Grade 2 : Moderate ligament tear
Grade 3 : Severe (Ruptured) ligament tear

Symptoms of a Torn Ligament:

Sudden onset of pain and severe swelling
Instability of a joint
Impaired function for example can’t walk or run

Returning to Sports after a Torn Ligament

In most cases ligament injuries can be treated and return to the sport in 4 to 12 weeks. Severity of the injury and the location has a lot to do with the time of recovery. Follow the advice of your doctor to return to normal activity.