Inflammation of the ligament: symptoms and treatment

Inflammation of the ligament of the knee joint is a fairly common disease that results from sudden movements, long, monotonous work of the muscles, as well as stretching, trauma, bruises, dislocations, and strokes.

Inflammation of ligaments in athletes

Most often this disease occurs in sports, namely in the types associated with regular bouncing, landings, acceleration and braking. The most traumatic for the joints are sharp movements in unusual directions or with a large amplitude, which is inherent in football players, jumpers, skiers, boxers, volleyball players. Inflammation of the ligament in sports is called "jumper trauma", since it is during the jumping that the knees are injured most of all. Strengthens the negative effect of the hardness of coatings, on which athletes conduct their training.

At risk: the elderly

Inflammation of the ligament of the knee joint can also occur in the elderly and be part of the natural process of aging. Over the years, the body wears out significantly, the resistance to diseases is decreasing, degenerative changes in the joints are accumulating, including swelling, limitation of mobility, the appearance of pain, the occurrence of clicks and crunching during movement. More active manifestations of diseases that cause a violation of the functionality of the muscular ligaments:

• Red systemic lupus erythematosus ;
• diabetes;
• Renal chronic insufficiency;
• rheumatoid arthritis.

Symptoms of inflammation of ligaments

In the knee joint there are 4 main ligaments (2 internal and 2 external), taking part in the mechanism of knee stretching, its lateral and rotational stability, extension and flexion. Inflammation can occur both in these dense formations of connective tissue, and in a patellar ligament located from the knee cap to the tibia.

Determine the inflammation of the ligament of the knee can be on the following symptoms:

• Swelling in the area of inflammation. This condition is observed for several days, often accompanied by fever in the affected area. In soft tissues, hemorrhages occur, which outwardly look like bruises and bruises.
• Pain in the knee. At an early stage are manifested with physical exertion, with the development of the inflammatory process, dull pain is constantly present.
• Stiffness and tension of the knee.
• Difficulties in the process of full extension of the joint.

Often, inflammation of the knee joint, the symptoms of which directly indicate a health hazard, is not taken seriously by a person. To ease the pain in the course are ointments of the appropriate purpose, various folk methods are used. The result of taking such measures, perhaps, will show the result, but at the same time, the positive effect will be of a short-term nature. Therefore, if you find the above symptoms, as well as with the injuries and bruises that can lead to inflammation of the ligament, you should immediately consult a doctor who can correctly diagnose the disease and prescribe the appropriate treatment.

Diagnostics

Diagnosis consists of several stages, the first of which is a medical examination. This process is not particularly difficult due to the superficial location of the knee ligaments. The doctor carefully probes the area of attachment of the ligament to the patella, presses it on to determine the location of the inflammatory focus, and asks to unbend the knee joint with resistance. In most cases, this action is accompanied by pain.

An X-ray, performed in a direct and lateral projection, helps to clarify the diagnosis. If certain pathologies are found (ossification within the ligament or fatigue fractures - microcracks in the bone, resulting from osteoporosis and repeated overloads), an MRI scan (magnetic resonance imaging) is performed, which allows a detailed examination of soft tissues: tendons, menisci, muscles, ligaments.

Due to the close location of the patellar ligament, it is possible to perform ultrasound, which allows to reveal degenerative changes in connective tissue, its thickening and ruptures. At the recovery stage, ultrasound fixes the increase in blood circulation.

Methods of conservative therapy

Treatment of ligaments has an integrated approach and consists of carrying out such activities as:

• Taking anti-inflammatory drugs (Orthofen, Indomethacin);
• Application of compresses with ice;
• Changing the mode of training (for athletes);
• Exercise designed to stretch and strengthen the quadriceps muscle of the thigh ;
• Teypirovanie - unloading patellar ligament with a wide adhesive plaster or a special bandage.

The therapy will have a positive effect when creating a complete rest for the diseased part of the body by fixing it (with a tire, bandage, tight bandage) and excluding any loads on the inflammation zone. The optimal regimen for quality treatment is complete rest.

If the conservative methods are ineffective, inflammation of the ligament is treated surgically. Through the puncture or incision, an arthroscope is introduced, with the help of which the necessary manipulations are carried out: removal of the altered tissues, application to the ligament ligament.

Gymnastics as an effective way to cure ligaments

Inflammation of the knee joint, the treatment of which is effective only with an integrated approach, can be removed by physical exercises:

• Knee extension and swing with resistance;
• Exercise to develop elasticity and flexibility of muscles by stretching them;
• Pinching of the ball between the knees;
• step;
• Lifting of a straight leg in the supine position on the back and on the side.

Duration of training can be from several weeks to several months. As soon as pain disappears during the gymnastics, one more exercise should be added: squats on the inclined surface.

Traditional medicine: recipes

Inflammation of the ligament of the knee joint, the treatment of which lasts from 2 to 6 weeks, can be removed using traditional medicine. It is necessary to consult with a doctor, because many folk techniques are only an additional component of complex therapy.

The most effective method of treatment at home is ice massage, for the application of which several plastic cups should be filled with water and placed in a freezer. Massaging the sore spot requires three times a day the top of the ice for 15-20 minutes.

Beneficial effect on diseased ligaments and the body as a whole will have turmeric, consumed daily for half a gram. Included in its composition curcumin is characterized by analgesic and anti-inflammatory action.

Home gypsum and salt compress

Pain and swelling within a few days will remove the "home gypsum", made from whipped chicken protein and a tablespoon of vodka or alcohol. Mix the mixture thoroughly, add a tablespoon of flour. The finished product is applied to the elastic bandage, which is applied to the inflamed area, it is difficult to bind the sore spot and allow it to freeze. The bandage should be changed every day, until the moment of recovery.

Inflammation of the ligaments of the knee joint, the symptoms, the treatment of which cause great concern in patients, can be removed by applying salt dressings. In a glass of warm water you need to dissolve a spoonful of salt. In the resulting composition, moisten and lightly wring out a napkin, wrap it with a plastic bag, and put it for a few minutes into the freezer. Apply to a sore spot, fix with a bandage and keep until completely dry.

Inflammation of the ligaments of the knee joint, the causes of which can be determined by various methods of diagnosis, is a rather dangerous phenomenon. The mechanical strength of connective tissue decreases, and this can lead to its partial or complete rupture. Therefore, it is very important to take seriously the treatment of such a disease and not bring it to an operable state. With a competent approach to therapy in most cases, inflammation of the ligaments is curable.