Ligaments are fibrous tissues that connect bones in a joint in the body and provide support to the joint. A sprain is the result of a sudden fall, twist, or violent blow to the body that makes a joint stretch away from its habitual position, resulting in an injury or a tear to one or more ligaments. This can be the result of landing on an outstretched arm or an ankle during a fall. Ankle ligament sprain is the most common of sports related injuries. These can be high ankle sprains or low ankle sprains. A large ligament called the syndesmosis joins the two bones of the lower leg at the ankle. When this ligament is stretched, torn, or injured, it is called a high ankle sprain. Lower ankle sprain results from a misplaced step that leads to a foot or an ankle being turned inwards, stretching the outer portion of the ankle.
Ligament sprain treatments depend on the severity of the loss of function, appearance of swelling, and the joint’s ability to bear weight. Sprains are graded as I, II, and III based on these factors. Ligament sprain symptoms are immediately obvious in most cases as the pain, bruising, and swelling are unmistakable. In severe cases of sprain, the person might find it extremely painful to move the joint or put his/her weight on it, as in the case of a knee ligament sprain. Unstable joints need to be X-rayed to rule out a broken bone and establish the extent of the rupture of the ligament. While bruising may be absent in cases of mild sprains, X-rays may be taken if the patient experiences numbness, or if the area is tender to the touch.
Sports persons are prone to knee ligament sprain more than others and need to check out recovery options as they need to be medically fit. The anterior cruciate ligament, the posterior cruciate ligament, the medial collateral ligament and the lateral collateral ligament are the four ligaments that support the knee joint and stabilize it. A torn knee ligament can be the consequence of a football or rugby tackle. Injuries to the posterior cruciate ligament can be precipitated by a collision or by falling with a bent knee. Knee ligament sprain recovery time may be long if this ligament tear requires surgical intervention. Blows to the knee when the foot is firmly planted could sprain the medical collateral ligament. This particularly could be the condition if the pain is felt on the inside of the knee. Pain on the same side of the knee where it was hit tends to recede faster, and the knee ligament sprain recovery in this case is quicker.
When we fall, our natural tendency is to put out a hand to try and break the fall, and this protective gesture often results in a painful wrist ligament pain. Everything from sports like skiing or football to icy sidewalks or even wet bathroom floors can lead to a fall, which we try to prevent by putting our hands out. Wrist ligament sprain can lead to pain when the wrist is moved and swelling around the joint in the wrist. Bruising or discoloration of the skin could occur, and in some cases, a sharp tingling or burning sensation may also be felt. Treatment for wrist ligament sprain may include the use of splints to support the wrist and anti-inflammatory medication. If ligament damage in the wrist is not treated properly, it might result in the degeneration of the cartilage in the wrist joint, eventually leading to pain and stiffness in the joint. Whatever the kind of ligament injury, recent research suggests that moderate activity and ‘loading’ of the damaged joint are essential for the healthy healing for the torn ligament.