Dense woven formations that connect the bones of the skeleton and individual organs are called ligaments. Their function is not only in the direction of the joint, but also in its retention. Excessive loads or awkward movements can lead to damage to the ligaments.
Degrees of damage
There are three types of ligament damage that differ in severity:
- Sprain The first, easy degree. It is characterized by rupture of individual fibers.
- Tear. A significant part of the fibers breaks, but the ligaments can still perform a supporting function.
- The gap. The third and most severe degree. It is characterized by a complete violation of the functionality of the shoulder, knee, ankle.
The main symptoms of tissue integrity disorders
The first symptoms of ligament tear, which are worth paying attention to:
- In the place of damage, severe acute pain appears.
- Partial dysfunction of the damaged part of the body occurs, it becomes difficult to move.
- The site of tearing the ligament begins to swell.
- The skin becomes saturated red, hyperemia occurs.
Diagnosis of tissue tears
With minor injury, the pain may be of a weak nature. Such patients, as a rule, do not immediately understand the causes and consequences of damage, so they go to the doctor quite late.
The diagnosis of tear of the ligaments of the knee, shoulder or ankle is as follows:
- The doctor conducts a visual examination (determines the change in the shape of the joint, redness of the skin) and makes palpation of the damaged area (there is an update of the local temperature increase, the degree of pain and swelling).
- An x-ray is taken.
- An ultrasound scan is performed.
- Magnetic resonance imaging is done.
As a result of all studies, treatment for tearing of the knee ligaments, brachial or ankle is prescribed.
First aid in case of ligament damage
If the first symptoms of a
tear of the ligaments of the knee joint or shoulder, as well as the ankle are detected, the following measures should be taken:
- The first step is to limit the movement of the damaged area. To do this, apply a pressure bandage to it. Depending on the location of the injury (ankle, knee joint or shoulder), the procedure for applying it may vary slightly.
- The damaged limb should be lifted up. For example, if an ankle ligament is torn, then the victim is placed in a comfortable position (lying or sitting), and a pillow is placed under his leg.
- Something cold is applied on top of the pressure dressing (for example, an ice pack) so that the puffiness subsides.
- If the victim feels very severe pain that he cannot tolerate, then he will be given painkillers (for example, analgin).
- After this, it is imperative to contact the emergency room so that an X-ray is taken and treatment is prescribed.
Knee Damage Treatment
The most important function of the knee joint is to connect and maintain the femur and tibia due to the large number of ligaments. Options for injury in this area are divided into four types:
- internal lateral (characterized by external symptoms such as a deviation of the knee to the outside);
- external lateral (the most common reason is tucking of the leg);
- cruciform anterior (damage caused by a blow to the back of the knee or pressure in this area when the lower leg was in a bent position);
- cruciform posterior (such an injury is possible in the event of a blow to the knee in front or when the limb is oversized).
Performing loads unusual for the knee joint or sudden movements can damage the ligaments. During tearing, muscle tissue does not undergo a violation of integrity, but significant inconvenience still occurs. Therefore, the first thing the victim needs is to provide first aid, and then consult a doctor directly for treatment. The essence of therapeutic measures is the speedy elimination of pain and restoration of tissue integrity.
Depending on the severity of the tear of the knee ligaments, the treatment may be as follows:
- Puncture: performed in cases where there is a very strong swelling or hemorrhage in the joint.
- Applying a tight or plaster cast: not only the knee is fixed, but the entire area from the ankles to the upper thigh. If gypsum was applied, then it is removed no earlier than after one or two months, if there was a complete tear. In case of partial damage, it is sufficient to carry the span for several weeks.
- Taking painkillers, applying ointments to relieve swelling.
In severe cases of tear, surgical intervention may be required. But they do the operation no earlier than five weeks after receiving the damage. Surgery can be of two types: through open access or arthroscopy.
The cruciate cruciate tear complicates the diagnosis, as hemorrhage occurs during damage to the joint cavity. As a result, blood clots do not provide an opportunity to fully assess the degree of joint mobility. To do this, you have to do additional research.
Depending on the speed of first aid, such a strain can be cured only by applying a longy (plaster cast ). It should be worn for two months. Rehabilitation actions in the event of a cruciate ligament tear consists in performing physical exercises aimed at developing a joint and undergoing a massage course.
Shoulder Damage Treatment
Ligament integrity at this location can occur for two reasons. The first is the tear is the result of trauma from excessive physical exertion, bruising, shock and so on. Second, a degenerative disorder occurred, the cause of which is age or physical wear of the joint (articular trophy).
In some cases, visual symptoms of the manifestation of damage may not be observed. But pain when trying to move and touch will be sure. Swelling of the joint can appear only during therapy.
Treatment of tear of the ligaments of the shoulder joint :
- Imposing a tight orthopedic tire for a period of several weeks. This is necessary so that the damaged area is fixed and not subjected to any stress.
- Cryotherapy - the use of cold compresses in the first days after an injury to relieve swelling. Ice can be applied for no more than twenty minutes. Otherwise, you can get frostbite.
- Prescribing anti-inflammatory drugs (e.g., ibuprofen, naproxen, katorolac, and so on).
- Surgery. It is carried out using the method of arthroscopy, which provides for a minimum violation of the integrity of the skin.
After therapy, it is necessary to perform a series of rehabilitation measures in order to fully restore the function of the shoulder apparatus. It is recommended to do appropriate physical exercises, apply physiotherapy, massage, acupuncture. It will be useful to rub warming ointments into the damaged area and make various compresses.
Ankle Damage Treatment
The most common cause of tearing of the ankle ligaments is tucking the foot in or out. This can happen as a result of any physical activity, or by negligence. Spasmodic pain in the lower leg area, swelling around the joint, which is constantly increasing, bone swelling, stiffness of the leg, are still added to the general symptoms of tearing the ligaments. Bruising can occur in different places.
Ankle ligament tear treatment may include the following measures:
- Applying cold compresses (ice) to the damaged area in the first days of injury.
- Imposing an eight-shaped tight bandage. Depending on the severity of the injury, the bandage can be removed after two to three weeks.
- Puncture. It is carried out in the presence of a large tumor and hemorrhage.
- If the swelling does not pass after applying a tight dressing, then gypsum is applied. With its help, it is possible to fix the area from the fingers to the knee joint. The tear of the ligaments in this case should heal in two to four weeks.
- A couple of days after receiving damage to the integrity of the articular tissues, warm compresses can be applied.
The main condition for restoring the functionality of the ankle after tearing the ligaments is the correct application of a bandage. Depending on the location of the injury, it is applied a little differently:
- if damaged, the front outer group of elements of the ligamentous apparatus of the foot should be in the pronation position, that is, the suspended side out);
- in case of damage to the tibial distal joint, a bandage is applied to the ankle region in a bent position;
- if the inner group is damaged, bandage should be in the supination position, that is, the suspended side of the foot inwards.
If an ankle ligament tear is complicated by muscle damage, a fracture, or a dislocation, then surgery is required. The surgeon in this case conducts the reduction and fixation of bone fragments. He also sews torn ligaments. After the operation, a plaster tape is applied to the damaged ankle. Injury of this kind is healed for a long time, and the recovery period can be delayed for a period of three to six months.
With tearing of the ligaments of the ankle joint, such a therapy as UHF is quite effective (it is based on the effect of an electromagnetic field with a different frequency on the human body).
In the future, a set of exercises should be performed without fail, in which the muscles of the foot and lower leg, fingers will be involved. It is also recommended to do baths, massages, paraffin baths and undergo physiotherapy sessions.
Treatment of tissue integrity disorders folk remedies
In the treatment of various types of ligament tears, various types of lotions and ointments based on decoctions of herbs, gruel of various vegetables and plants, which help relieve pain and swelling, are quite effective.
The most common recipes of traditional medicine for this type of damage are as follows:
- Vinegar, red clay and crushed apples are thoroughly mixed to make a slurry. The resulting mixture is applied to the sore spot. Such an ointment has a warming effect, and also helps to relieve severe pain and very well helps in the fight against inflammatory processes.
- Garlic cloves are grated, and then mixed with chopped eucalyptus leaves. Ointment must be boiled for five minutes before use.
- To speed up the recovery process, it is recommended to rub the potatoes on a fine grater and apply it to the damaged place. You can also add grated onions or cabbage leaf to the gruel.
- Rub the onion on a fine grater and mix with sodium chloride to make a homogeneous gruel. Then the resulting mixture is slightly warmed up in a water bath and applied for an hour and a half to an injured place. Compress will help relieve inflammation.
- Compress from vodka. It relieves puffiness very well, but it can be applied to the knee or ankle joint for no more than eight hours.
- Calendula ointment will help reduce swelling and reduce the inflammatory process. To do this, the flowers are crushed and mixed with the usual baby cream.
- Compresses are made from the herbal collection of an oleaginum (freshwater sponge). This herb acts as a resolving agent, which is relevant for hematomas, bruises and edema of a different nature. You can apply compresses at intervals of one and a half hours. Before the procedure, it is better to wash the damaged area with a solution of laundry soap. Each time a fresh broth is brewed.
- Salt is mixed with flour in equal proportions. Then make a cake. It should be attached to the injury for the whole night.
Remember that the above funds can be used only in the form of auxiliary. They cannot replace the main treatment.
Rehabilitation after treatment
The timing of recovery after a ligament tear depends on the location and severity of the damage, as well as on how quickly and timely medical care was provided. The average time to renew motor function, following medical recommendations, is about eight weeks. If the damage to the ligaments was very serious, then the rehabilitation period can be delayed up to six months.
The rehabilitation period consists in performing all prescribed physiotherapeutic procedures and a complex of light physical exercises. All actions are aimed specifically at the development of the damaged area, as well as at strengthening the ligamentous apparatus.
A set of exercises is developed individually by a specialist and depends on the type of damage and a particular patient. As you recover, physical activity intensifies. For example, if there was a tear of the knee ligament, then usually light physical exercises are prescribed in the form of a warm-up, and then exercises on the simulators (treadmill) are already added.
To make the rehabilitation period more successful, it is recommended to visit a health resort. You can also use additional tips of a folk nature (for example, make various compresses, ointments, and so on).
Ligament Damage Prevention
To reduce the risk of tearing the ligaments of the ankle, knee or shoulder joint, it is necessary to adhere to several recommendations:
- During walking and various physical activities, one should be cautious and prudent, pay attention to the road surface and possible obstacles (pits, stones, and so on).
- Do not forget that the risk of injury in the winter is significantly increased.
- Before embarking on a variety of physical activities (activities in the gym, cycling, running, and so on), you need to warm up and exercise.
- If there is a risk of tearing, then a daily set of exercises aimed at strengthening the ligaments should be performed.
- The inclusion of a large number of fresh vegetables and fruits in the diet helps strengthen joints.
For those who already had a tear of the ligament, it is recommended to use an elastic bandage before various physical activities. With its help, a bandage should be applied to a previously damaged place.
Keep in mind that those who lead a healthy lifestyle and perform physical exercises correctly have a very low chance of getting a ligament tear.