What Is a Strained Ligament?

Ligament strain (ligament strain), a ligament is a connective tissue cord that connects each bone mass with each other. After the ligament is strained, local swelling, pain, tenderness, and bruising can be seen with subcutaneous bleeding. It is very important to handle joint ligament sprains early. If improperly handled or misdiagnosed and turned into a chronic disease, dysfunction may remain and it is easy to be damaged again in the future.

Basic Information

Visiting department

orthopedics

Common locations

Knee, finger, ankle

Common causes

Forces joint movement beyond normal physiological range during labor or exercise

Common symptoms

Local swelling, pain, tenderness, subcutaneous bleeding

Causes of common ligament strains and common diseases

Muscles, ligaments, fascia, synovium, etc. are involved when the human body is under weight-bearing activities or body position changes. When the joints are twisted or the muscles are suddenly contracted, a small number of fibers can be broken, and the small joints can move slightly, causing strain. Ligament strains are usually caused by external forces during work or exercise that cause joints to move beyond the normal physiological range, resulting in strains, partial ruptures, or complete ruptures of the ligaments around the joints. This is called a joint ligament sprain. Joint ligament sprains are most likely to occur in the knee, finger and ankle joints.

Ligament strain check

After ligament injury, small blood vessels are usually ruptured and bleeding, local pain, swelling, bleeding within the tissue, hematoma, joint swelling, movement disorders, tenderness. Physical examination revealed significant pain in the stretched ligaments. If the rupture is complete, joint stability decreases. Can do CT examination.

Differential diagnosis of ligament strain

Rupture of ligament

Acting beyond the range of motion of the joint can cause the relevant ligament to be passively pulled, causing tearing or complete rupture. Ligament ruptures are often accompanied by sprains and fractures.

2. Ligament sprain

Ligament sprain refers to the damage to the soft tissues (such as muscles, tendons, ligaments, etc.) of the limbs or the body. The clinical manifestations are pain and swelling at the injury site and limited joint movements. They occur in the waist, ankle, knee, shoulder, wrist, elbow, Hip.

3. Ligament contusion

Generally, it is because during the activity, actions beyond the range of joint motion are made, the degree of ligament damage is not serious, and redness and swelling will occur.

Ligament strain treatment principles

1. Actively repair early

So as not to cause severe dysfunction in the late stage due to early unreasonable treatment.

2. rest

Stop exercise immediately and don't load the injured joint again.

3. Cold compress

Ice cubes or other cold compresses can help reduce pain and swelling because lowering the temperature can reduce blood circulation. Apply cold compresses 15 to 20 minutes each time, three to four times a day.

4. oppression

Compression of the injured area with bandages or other methods can reduce bleeding and congestion. The tightness of the bandage should be moderate, and you can feel the pressure without numbing or ischemic the tip.

5. Raise the affected limb

The main purpose of raising the affected limb is to reduce swelling and promote blood flow.