What is the best thing to do for a torn ligament?

First Aid. Within the first 72 hours of injury, you may need to ice the injured joint regularly, use a brace for extra support or a bandage to reduce swelling, elevate the injury, and rest and stay off your feet.

How long does it take to recover from ligament tear?

It can happen to athletes who play sports like football, basketball, soccer and volleyball, and to those who work physical jobs. There are surgical and nonsurgical treatments. Most people recover from an ACL tear within six to nine months.

What happens if you don’t take care of a torn ligament?

Left untreated, injuries like partial tendon tears can become full ruptures that leave no connection between bones and muscle. Achilles tendon ruptures and ACL ruptures can disable your ability to put weight on your legs, bend or straighten your knees, stand on tiptoe, or walk with a normal heel-to-toe stride.

Do you need surgery for a torn ligament?

A fully torn ligament, or grade 3 tear, can cause chronic pain and joint instability. Complete tears rarely heal naturally. Since there’s a disconnect between the tissue and any chance of blood supply, surgery is needed. Surgery also helps the joint heal correctly and reduces the chances of re-injury.

Do you need crutches for torn ligaments?

In most cases, ankle joint ligament injuries heal without complications. But you need to be patient. Just use your underarm crutches carefully for support in the first few days and weeks. Intensive physiotherapy and foot training will only be beneficial after your symptoms have subsided.

Does a torn ligament require surgery?

How do I know if I need ankle surgery?

You might need this surgery if one or more of the ligaments on the outside of your ankle has loosened or stretched. This leads to a condition called chronic ankle instability. It can cause chronic pain, repeated ankle sprains, and an ankle that often gives way when you walk or perform activities.

What is the treatment plan for ligament tears?

The treatment plan for ligament tears will vary depending on the location of the tear, the severity of the injury, and your tolerance for different treatment options. You may need a cast or crutches, and you may even need surgery to repair the torn ligament.

What are the long-term effects of ligament injury?

Ligament injury and subsequent laxity cause joint instability, which leads to chronic pain, diminished function, and ultimately osteoarthritis of the affected joint. Osteoarthritis continues to be the most common joint disorder as the long-term consequence of ligament injury ( Hauser and Dolan, 2011 ).

Should I see an orthopedic doctor for a ligament tear?

If you have a mild ligament tear, like a minor ankle sprain, you may be able to treat it at home. Orthopedic doctors often recommend the RICE therapy protocol (rest, ice, compression, elevation). However, for more severe tears, you should see a doctor who will examine you and perform some tests to make a diagnosis and offer the proper treatment.

Do you need surgery for a torn ligament in your leg?

You may need a cast or crutches, and you may even need surgery to repair the torn ligament. After surgery or immobilization, you may require physical therapy and rehabilitation to get back to your pre-injury condition. While some ligament tears are relatively minor, you shouldn’t take them lightly.