Torn Ligaments: Types, Symptoms & Treatment Options

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Ligament injuries, particularly those occurring in the knee, can have a major impact on your quality of life and overall mobility. These injuries range from minor sprains to complete tears that can completely immobilize a person. 

The knee is composed of a complex network of ligaments, such as your ACL (Anterior Cruciate Ligament) and PCL (Posterior Cruciate Ligament). That complex network makes knees especially susceptible to significant injuries.

If you’ve suffered a knee injury, the orthopedic specialists at Houston Methodist are here to diagnose, treat and recommend the best physical therapy programs or surgery if necessary for your circumstances. Contact us today to schedule an appointment. 

Understanding Torn Ligaments

Ligament injuries in the knee can vary in severity, from mild ankle sprains that simply require rest to serious ACL injuries that call for surgery. 

Types of Ligament Tears

There are levels of ligament injuries. They include grade 1 (potentially minor tear), grade 2 (torn ligament that is loose) and grade 3 (a complete tear/rupture of the ligament). The most common ligament injuries occur in the knees. They include:

 

  • Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL) tears: ACL tears are common sports injuries that typically happen due to sudden stops or changes in direction.
  • Medial Collateral Ligament (MCL) tears: Typically, the result of a blow to the outer side of the knee, which causes the ligament on the inner side to stretch and tear.
  • Combined ligament injuries: Can happen when multiple ligaments are injured simultaneously, causing an unstable knee.
  • Lateral Collateral Ligament (LCL) tears: A less common injury that usually results from a direct force to the inner side of the knee.
  • Posterior Cruciate Ligament (PCL) tears: These tears are usually caused by a direct impact to the front of the knee above the shin bone.

Ligament injuries can also happen in the elbows, shoulders, wrists, ankles and thumbs. 

Common Causes of Ligament Injuries

  • Sports-related trauma: In many cases, high-impact sports or those requiring twisting/pivoting (soccer, basketball, skiing, etc.) can cause sudden and potentially severe ligament injuries.
  • Acute accidents: Falls, collisions and other impacts can cause your knee to sharply twist or bend, causing damage to your ligaments.
  • Overuse and repetitive stress: Persistent strain of your ligaments such as repetitive overuse, improper lifting techniques or sudden twisting motions can lead to sprains and tears.

Signs and Symptoms of a Ligament Tear

The sooner you recognize the signs of a ligament injury, the faster you can seek effective treatment. Generally, the signs and symptoms of an injured ligament include:

 

  • Difficulty bearing weight: Ranging from discomfort to a complete inability to bear weight.
  • Instability: A feeling that your knee may “give out” under stress.
  • Pain: Typically felt immediately after the injury, and usually severe.
  • Popping sound: This is frequently reported at the time of the injury.
  • Swelling: Depending on the severity of the injury, significant swelling can occur.

How We Diagnose Your Ligament Injury

It’s one thing to think you have a ligament injury — it’s another thing to know. Accurate diagnosis by an orthopedic or sports medicine specialists is absolutely crucial for successful treatment and recovery. 

 

At Houston Methodist Orthopedics & Sports Medicine, our fellowship-trained physicians and orthopedic surgeons Board Certified in Sports Medicine use innovative diagnostic techniques to ensure you’re accurately diagnosed and promptly treated. The diagnostic process may include: 

  • Imaging studies: X-rays (to check for broken bones) and MRI scans are often required to confirm the extent of the injury and plan treatment.
  • Physical exam: Assesses the stability, swelling and range of motion of the knee.

Our Ligament Injury Treatment Options

At Houston Methodist, we offer a comprehensive range of inpatient and outpatient treatments tailored to the specific needs and severity of each ligament injury. They may include, but aren’t limited to:

 

  • Anti-inflammatory medications: Drugs like ibuprofen can help reduce pain and swelling.
  • Ligament grafting and ligament reconstruction: Involves using tissue from another part of the body or a donor to repair or replace the torn ligament.
  • Ligament repair and reinforcement: Involves stitching the torn ligament together and reinforcing it.
  • Minimally invasive surgery (arthroscopy): Arthroscopy is a highly effective minimally invasive surgery for joints that uses small incisions and specialized instruments to minimize tissue damage, reduce pain and scarring with significantly faster recovery times compared to traditional open surgery.
  • Orthotics and braces: Assists in stabilizing and protecting the injured area, particularly knee ligament injuries, during the recovery process. 
  • Physical therapy and rehabilitation: Physical therapy helps restore strength and mobility in the affected area with or without surgery.

Helping Athletes Recover From Ligament Injuries

From professional sports teams to high school athletes, our board certified sports medicine specialists focus on getting athletes back to their peak performance safely and efficiently. We employ advanced surgical and rehabilitation techniques tailored to the needs of each athlete. 

Regain Full Function After a Ligament Injury

Choosing comprehensive care for your ligament injury ensures the best possible recovery, allowing you to return to full functionality with confidence in the stability and strength of the ligaments in the affected areas. If you’ve experienced an injury to your ligaments, our expert orthopedics team is here to help. 

 

Contact us today or visit one of our Orthopedic Injury Clinics to schedule your initial appointment or get more information. 

FAQs About Ligament Injuries

How can I tell if my ligament injury is serious?

In many cases, a severe ligament injury is accompanied by intense pain, a noticeable ‘popping’ sound or feeling, significant swelling and instability in the ligaments of the affected areas. However, only a qualified medical professional can provide an accurate diagnosis.

How long does recovery from a ligament tear take?

The time it takes to recover from a ligament injury can vary depending on many factors, including your age, typical activity levels, how severe the injury is, treatment methods and more. As such, recovery can take anywhere from a few weeks to many months.

Should I exercise with a ligament injury?

Maybe. However, it should be done with caution and, ideally, under the guidance of a physical therapist. Otherwise, you may make the injury worse.

When is it safe to return to sports after a ligament injury?

You should only return to sports or other high-impact activities after you’ve been cleared by your health care provider. This decreases the likelihood of injuring or aggravating the area again.

What should I avoid with a ligament injury?

Avoid activities that place stress on the injured ligament. If it’s an injured ligament in the knee, you should consider avoiding activities like running, jumping or any rapid change of direction until you’re fully healed.

What’s the difference between acute and chronic ligament injuries?

Acute injuries happen suddenly and can be very severe. Chronic ligament injuries, on the other hand, can stem from an acute injury that incompletely healed or from wear and tear.

When is surgery necessary for a ligament injury?

Surgery may be necessary in cases of complete tears or when the injury doesn’t respond to less invasive techniques. If your joint remains unstable or painful, surgery may be necessary. However, it’s best to consult with your physician about the best options for your circumstances.