Torn ligaments on the leg: symptoms and treatment

Many people are faced with the problem, when as a result of this or that injury, ligaments on the leg are torn. It is generally accepted that this pathology is diagnosed only in professional athletes. Indeed, people are more prone to ruptures and sprains, whose profession implies intense physical activity. Nevertheless, this can happen to every person. That is why it is worth knowing about what symptoms are accompanied by a gap, what complications it can entail and what treatments modern medicine offers. This information will be useful to every reader.

What is a rupture of ligaments?

Many patients with joint pain after consulting a doctor find out that they have torn ligaments on their legs. But what is a similar violation?

Bundles are connective tissue structures, the main function of which is to connect and fix the parts of the skeleton (there are also ligaments that strengthen the internal organs). Moreover, these structures regulate and direct the work of the joints. Thus, their rupture leads to a disruption of the basic functions of the joint, a change in the position of the bones. This phenomenon is not only unpleasant and painful, but also dangerous.

Which joints are most often injured?

Most often during injuries suffer knee and ankle joints. Undoubtedly, people who actively participate in sports are the most vulnerable to these injuries. Nevertheless, no one is insured from the rupture or stretching. For example, an ankle dislocated (even while walking), a bruise, a jump with an unsuccessful landing, a fall-all this can lead to a disruption in the integrity of the ligaments. Moreover, in people with a sedentary lifestyle, the muscles on the legs are not so developed, so the joints remain without adequate protection. This increases the likelihood of injury.

Types of rupture: classification of injuries

During physical exertion, bruises, falls, it is very easy to tear ligament on the leg. Symptoms can be different, because here everything depends on the degree of joint damage. To date, there are two types of discontinuities:

• A complete rupture in which absolutely all fibers of the ligament are damaged and it is divided into two parts.
• Partial rupture, in which part of the fibers maintains their integrity. By the way, such a trauma is often called stretching, although gaps with it are still present.

Depending on the cause, two forms of this violation are also distinguished:

• The traumatic rupture occurs as a result of a fall, sudden movement, lifting of weights, bruises, etc. At the same time there is a sharp rupture that is accompanied by pain, as well as an instant disruption of the mobility of the joint.
• In addition, degenerative ligament ruptures are possible, which are the result of the wear of tendons and ligaments. As a rule, similar cases are observed in patients of mature and elderly age, as well as in people suffering from circulatory disorders and nutrition of tissues. If the ligaments and tendons receive inadequate amounts of nutrients and building materials, the tissues become more fragile, thin, less elastic, and therefore more prone to tearing.

Degrees of gravity

Many people are interested in the question of whether it is possible to tear ligament on the leg. Of course, yes. But there are several degrees of severity of such an injury:

• When the first degree is broken, only a few fibers are damaged, and the bundle itself retains its functionality and integrity.
• Rupture of the second degree is accompanied by lacerated injuries of about half of the ligament fibers. With such a trauma, the ligament functions are severely impaired.
• The third degree of severity is characterized by a complete rupture of all fibers or by detachment from the attachment site of the ligament. The function of the joint is completely absent.

The severity of the injury depends on the symptoms, the chosen treatment regimen and, of course, the duration and characteristics of the rehabilitation period.

The main symptoms of tension and rupture

Certainly, there are some fairly characteristic signs of torn ligament on the leg. The first symptom is severe pain that occurs in the joint area. It is present at rest, but becomes more intense during movements. Often the trauma is accompanied by a characteristic crunch. The same crunchy sound occurs when trying to move your foot.

Depending on the severity of the injury, the joint completely or partially loses its functions. For example, it will be difficult or impossible to bend the leg. With a complete rupture, the joint, on the contrary, can be unnaturally bent, which indicates its instability. In case of knee injuries, patellar mobility of the patella is possible.

There are also some external signs that indicate that the ligaments on the leg are torn. The photo above demonstrates that during this trauma there is often a strong swelling of the tissues around the joint. Also, subcutaneous bruises (bruises) often appear. Rupture of ligaments is often accompanied by the development of hemarthrosis and traumatic synovitis.

Torn ligaments on the leg: what to do? First Aid Rules

Naturally, in the presence of such an injury, it is better to call an emergency ambulance or deliver the victim to the hospital. If torn ligaments are torn, it is extremely important to provide the patient with proper first aid, which will not only alleviate the condition of the victim, but will also reduce the risk of complications.

First you need to lay the patient, lifting his leg. This will limit the flow of blood. It is extremely important not to move your foot, as any movement can lead to an even greater rupture and other complications. To the damaged joint it is necessary to put ice or something cold. This will narrow the blood vessels, reduce swelling, and partially reduce soreness. You can also give a person a slight pain medication, although it is better to wait until the hospital.

Methods of diagnosis

If you have any symptoms, you should consult your doctor. Only a specialist knows how to determine if a ligament is torn on the leg. First, you need to conduct a general examination, collect information about the patient's condition, and also about how he was injured. Of course, having collected an anamnesis, the doctor can assume the presence of a gap, but in order to make an accurate diagnosis, you need to conduct additional studies:

• Quite often the patient is sent to X-ray to find out if there are any other injuries, for example fractures, cracks, dislocations.
• With the help of magnetic resonance imaging, it is possible to determine the localization, number and degree of damage to the fibers.
• In some cases, a computed tomography scan is also performed, which makes it possible to track the results of treatment.
• In addition, an ultrasound examination of the joint is performed, which is also a valuable source of information (for example, you can see free fluid in the joint, etc.).

Of course, the entire list of procedures is extremely rare. As a rule, 1-2 diagnostic procedures are sufficient to establish an accurate diagnosis and determine the treatment regimen.

Torn ligament on leg: treatment with conservative methods

Only the doctor after the examination can choose the most effective therapy scheme. How to treat torn ligaments on the leg? As a rule, during the first hours, various studies and tests are performed, including a biopsy of the intra-articular fluid. The patient is prescribed the taking of pain medications (for example, Analgin, Ketanov, Ketorol, etc.). In the first day cold compresses are applied to the damaged joint.

It is extremely important to ensure the immobility of the foot. To this end, bandages, knee pads are used, and later - special bandages and elastic bandages. If inflammation is suspected, anti-inflammatory drugs are used, which also have analgesic effect.

After the main symptoms are eliminated, proceed with the recovery process. During rehabilitation, the patient is recommended to attend massage sessions or to learn self-massage techniques, this helps to increase blood flow, remove toxins, improve nutrition of tissues and relieve muscle spasm.

Also shown is therapeutic exercise, which will help strengthen muscles, relieve stress from the joint and gradually restore its mobility. Classes should be conducted only in the presence of an instructor. In addition, the patient is assigned various physiotherapy procedures.

When is surgery necessary?

Conservative therapy, of course, helps when torn ligaments on the leg. Treatment, however, can be and operative.

The decision to conduct a surgical intervention is made on an individual basis. Here everything depends on the severity of the trauma (for example, if the fracture is complete, surgery is likely to be necessary), the patient's condition, the presence of other injuries and diseases, lifestyle, the effectiveness of conservative methods,

There are many surgical procedures that help to eliminate the consequences of trauma. Some breaks can not be simply sewn up - the ligament is transplanted from another place to the damaged joint. Naturally, after the operation, the patient will need rehabilitation.

Many are interested in how much the torn ligaments heal on the leg. The answer to this question also depends on many factors. For example, with a partial break, it will be enough for one month, while the operation may require a half-year rehabilitation.

Forecasts for patients with similar injuries

In modern medicine, they often encounter situations in which the patient has torn ligaments on his leg. And many are wondering if a full recovery is possible after such a trauma. Immediately it is worth noting that here everything depends on many factors, in particular the severity of the injury. Nevertheless, if the therapy was started on time, was under the supervision of a doctor and the patient followed all the rules during rehabilitation, then the predictions are favorable. At the same time, refusal of treatment can lead to sad consequences until the loss of joint mobility and functions.