Ligament Sprain

 

A ligament is a soft tissue that connects bone to bone. A ligament sprain is a stretching or tearing of one or more ligaments in the body. These can be mild, moderate, or severe and are most often caused when a ligament is stretched beyond its capacity or challenged with a sudden load.

 

Symptoms

• Noticeable loss of muscle strength surrounding the joint

• Loss of range of motion of the joint

• Pain and stiffness in joint

• Possible swelling

• Possible bruising

 

Risk factors

• Muscle tightness surrounding the joint

• Muscle imbalances in strength surrounding the joint

• Poor conditioning

• Muscle fatigue surrounding the joint

• Laxity in the ligament

• Sprinting 

• Sport requiring quick change of direction

 

Prevention

• Proper conditioning with a regular exercise program

• Warm up prior to any exercise session or sports activity

• Wear appropriate protective gear for sport or activity

• Take time to cool down properly after exercise

• Give injuries time to heal before return to activity.

 

Diagnosis

Can be mild, moderate, or severe depending on damage to the ligament

1. Mild- grade 1-slight stretching and some damage to the fibers of the ligament.

2. Moderate- grade 2- partial tearing of the ligament. There is abnormal looseness (laxity) in the joint when it is moved in certain ways.

3. Severe- grade 3- Complete tear of the ligament. This causes significant instability and makes the joint nonfunctional.

 

Treatment options

Most ligament sprains are treated non-surgically with rest, ice, compression, elevation, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, and mild physical rehabilitation exercises. More severe sprains resulting in tearing of the ligament may require surgery to stitch the torn pieces back together.

 

Why Rothman?

Rothman Institute Orthopedic physicians are trained to diagnose ligament sprains through their physical evaluations. However, an MRI may be needed in some cases to determine the extent, or grade, of damage to the ligament.