Ligament Tear: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatments

What is a ligament tear?

A ligament tear or sprain is a condition where the ligaments, flexible tissues connecting bones in the joints, are overstretched or torn. This injury usually leads to swelling, bruising, and pain in the affected area.

Since ligaments stabilise joints and control movement, damage to this tissue can make doing daily activities such as walking or lifting items feel difficult.

Common causes of ligament tear

Common causes of ligament tear include sudden injuries or trauma and repetitive movement during physical activities. This injury usually occurs in the area where the joint is located, such as the ankle, knee, shoulder, or elbow. 

Here are some common causes of ligament tears, such as:

• Accident: 

  • Suddenly falling from heights, being involved in car accidents, experiencing trauma to a joint, or sudden twisting of the joint could lead to a ligament tear.

• Sports injuries:

  • Sports activities that involved sudden movements and physical collisions, such as football, basketball, or badminton, could put significant stress on the ligament.

• Repetitive movement: 

  • Overusing a joint in repetitive activities, like running or throwing, weakens ligaments over time and could lead to ligament tears. 

• Improper technique:

  • Engaging in physical activity with improper posture or form (e.g., lifting heavy objects without proper posture) can strain the ligaments.

• Weak muscles: 

  • If the muscles surrounding a joint are weak, they may not provide enough support to the ligaments, making ligaments more prone to injury.

Types of ligament tear

Since ligaments are fibrous tissues that support joints for movement, they are subject to stress. Because of that, ligament tears are prone to occur in areas of frequent movement, such as the arms and legs.

Here are common ligament injuries, including:

Knee ligaments

• Anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injuries: 

  • ACL injuries usually occur during activities that involve sudden stops or changes in direction, such as basketball or soccer. 

• Medial collateral ligament (MCL) injuries: 

  • MCL injuries are most commonly caused by activities that require the knee to bend inward repeatedly and forcefully, such as contact sports like rugby.

• Posterior cruciate ligament (PCL) injuries: 

  • Injuries to this ligament typically resulted from direct impact to the front of the knee, such as falling when running.

• Lateral collateral ligament (LCL) injuries: 

  • Injuries to this ligament are rare, but rough twisting motions or impacts on the outer side of the knee can cause torn ligament.

Upper body ligaments

• Rotator cuff ligament injuries 

  • Intense overhead movements, such as smashing in badminton or throwing a ball in baseball, can cause injury to the rotator cuff ligaments.

• Ulnar collateral ligament (UCL) injuries: 

  • Repetitive stress from overhead movements could injure this elbow ligament, which is commonly found in sports that involve throwing movements.

Ankle ligaments

• Ankle ligament injuries: 

  • Excessive twisting or rolling in the ankle ligaments could cause a sprained ankle.

Ligament tear severity grades

Depending on the severity of the injury, there are several grades for ligament tears. Here are some of the severities of ligament tears, including:

• Grade 1 (Mild): 

  • In this grade, the ligament is overstretched but without any tearing. You might experience some pain and swelling, but the joint remains stable and functional. Recovery typically takes a few days to a couple of weeks with at-home care.

• Grade 2 (Moderate): 

  • A partial tear occurs in this grade, leading to moderate pain, swelling, and some instability in the joint. You may find it difficult to move the joint in the affected area. 

  • Recovery can take several weeks and could require physical therapy to regain strength and stability in the joints.

• Grade 3 (Severe): 

  • This is a complete tear or rupture of the ligament, resulting in significant pain, swelling, and joint instability. Treatment often involves surgery, especially if the injury affects your ability to move.

  • Recovery from a Grade 3 ligament tear can take several months and depends on factors like your body's natural healing ability and commitment to rehabilitation exercises.

Symptoms of a ligament tear

A ligament tear can have different symptoms depending on the severity of the injury and the location of the injury. 

Here are the common symptoms of a ligament tear, such as:

• Pain: 

  • These symptoms can develop gradually or immediately after a ligament injury. The pain is often sharp, especially when moving the affected joint.

• Swelling: 

  • Swelling typically occurs within a few hours of the injury as blood and fluid accumulate around the ligament tear.

• Instability: 

  • A torn ligament can cause the joint to feel unstable, making it difficult to stand or walk.

• Bruising: 

  • Bruising may appear around the injury site due to broken blood vessels, indicating damage to the surrounding tissues.

• Limited range of motion: 

  • You may find that the joint cannot move freely, particularly if the tear is severe.

• Difficulty bearing weight: 

  • You might struggle to put weight on the affected joint, which can hinder daily activities.

If the symptoms of the ligament tear are getting worse over time, don’t hesitate to request an appointment with our specialists at Thomson Medical for an accurate diagnosis and personalised treatment plan.

How is a ligament tear diagnosed?

To diagnose a ligament tear, your doctor will ask what symptoms you have experienced and whether you've had any trouble moving the affected joint. Next, your doctor may examine your joints to determine their stability and mobility.

In addition to that, to get a better diagnosis, healthcare professionals can perform imaging tests like X-rays to check for fractures and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan to assess soft tissue around the affected joints.

How are ligament tears treated?

Treatment of ligament tear depends on the severity of the injury. If the injury is mild, it’s possible to treat this injury at home. But if the injury is severe, such as a complete tear of a ligament, professional intervention is necessary. 

Here are treatments for ligament tear depending on their grade of severity, including:

Grade 1 (mild)

You can treat mild ankle injuries using the following methods:

• R.I.C.E. methods

  • Rest: Avoid using the affected joint to prevent further strain.

  • Ice: Apply ice to the injured area to reduce swelling and pain. Do this for 15-20 minutes at a time, several times a day.

  • Compression: Use an elastic bandage or brace to compress the area and reduce swelling.

  • Elevation: Elevate the injured limb to reduce swelling, ideally above the level of your heart.

• Medications

  • NSAIDs (nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs), such as ibuprofen or aspirin, can help manage pain and reduce swelling.

  • To reduce pain, doctors may prescribe pain relievers, depending on the severity of the injury.

Grade 2 (moderate)

For a moderate ligament tear, the doctor could give physical therapy to help the patient regain strength and recover from the injury.

• Physical therapy

  • Once the initial swelling and pain subside, physical therapy may be recommended to strengthen the muscles around the injured joint and restore mobility and function.

  • Exercises to improve flexibility, strength, and coordination are key to preventing further injuries and restoring full use of the joint.

To fully heal from a moderate ligament tear, it may take around 4-6 weeks or more. 

Grade 3 (severe)

A complete ligament tear may require surgery and 4-12 months for full recovery, depending on the ligament involved and the extent of the injury.

• Surgery

  • Surgery may be necessary to repair or reconstruct the damaged ligament in cases of Grade 3 tears or complete ruptures. This is often necessary in high-stakes injuries, such as ACL tears in athletes. 

  • Recovery from ligament surgery can take several months and involves intensive rehabilitation. 

When should I seek medical help?

Seek immediate care if you experience any of the following symptoms after a ligament injury:

• Severe pain: 

  • If the pain is intense and doesn’t improve with rest or over-the-counter medications, it’s important to get a proper examination by a doctor.

• Swelling and bruising: 

  • Noticeable swelling, bruising, or deformity around the injured joint can indicate a serious issue.

• Limited movement: 

  • If you find it difficult to move the joint or bear weight on it—especially in weight-bearing joints like the knee or ankle—this could signal a significant injury.

• Complete tear of ligament: 

  • If an injury caused a complete tear of ligament (grade III) or you have trouble using the affected joint, immediate medical assistance is necessary.

Getting proper treatment promptly can prevent your condition from worsening and reduce the risk of complications.

Preventing ligament tear

To prevent ligament tear, there are a few methods you can do, such as:

• Strengthening muscles: 

  • Strong muscles around the joints can help absorb impact and lessen the strain on your ligaments during workouts or daily activities.

• Warm-up and Stretching: 

  • Proper warm-up and stretching before doing any physical activities can help prepare your ligaments for the stress they will encounter and prevent injuries.

• Proper technique: 

  • Make sure to pay attention to your form while lifting weights, such as during deadlifts or carrying heavy weights. The right technique and posture help reduce any extra strain on your ligaments.

• Supportive gear: 

  • In several activities or sports, wearing braces or taping can provide extra support for joints that are at high risk of injury, such as the knee, ankle, or wrist.

• Avoid sudden movements:

  • Be mindful when making any sudden movements in sports, since this could increase the risk of ligament tear.

Ligament tear complications

A mild ligament tear could be treated at home, but if a more severe condition doesn’t get medical attention, this injury could lead to complications.

Here are complications that could happen because of ligament tear, including:

• Chronic joint instability and weakness

• Increased risk of re-injury or further injury

• Arthritis or degenerative changes in the joint over time, especially if the tear is in a major weight-bearing joint

FAQ

Can ligament tear heal itself?

Yes, mild to moderate ligament tears (Grade 1 and Grade 2) often heal with non-surgical treatments using R.I.C.E. methods or bracing. But severe tears (Grade 3) usually require surgery to restore joint function and stability. 

However, the appropriate treatment depends on the ligament torn, the extent of the injury, and the activity level of the patient.

How long does it take for a torn ligament to heal?

Grade 1 and 2 ligament tears can take up to 6 weeks to heal completely. But more severe injuries may take months to fully recover—especially if surgery and rehabilitation are necessary.

Is a ligament tear serious?

A ligament tear is not a life-threatening condition, but it can lead to complications if left untreated. Early intervention is crucial to prevent further injury and disruption of joint movement, which could affect your quality of life.

The information provided is intended for general guidance only and should not be considered medical advice. For personalised recommendations and tailored advice, please consult a specialist at Thomson Medical. Book an appointment with Thomson Medical today.