Many people are faced with a problem when a ligament in their leg is torn as a result of an injury. It is generally accepted that this pathology is diagnosed only in professional athletes. Indeed, tears and sprains are more prone to people whose profession involves intense physical activity. However, this can happen to every person. That is why it is worth knowing about what symptoms are accompanied by a gap, what complications it may entail and what treatment methods are offered by modern medicine. This information will be useful to every reader.
What is a ligament rupture?
Many patients with joint pain, after consulting a doctor, find out that they have torn ligaments on their leg. But what constitutes such a violation?
Ligaments are connective tissue structures whose main function is to connect and fix parts of the skeleton (there are also ligaments that attach internal organs). Moreover, these structures regulate and direct the work of the joints. Thus, their rupture leads to a violation of the basic functions of the joint, a change in the position of the bones. Such a phenomenon is not only unpleasant and painful, but also dangerous.
What joints are most often injured?
Most often, injuries affect the knee and ankle joints. Of course, people who are actively involved in sports are most affected by these injuries. Nevertheless, no one is safe from tearing or stretching. For example, ankle dislocation (even while walking), a bruise, a jump with an unsuccessful landing, a fall - all this can lead to a violation of the integrity of the ligaments. Moreover, in people leading a sedentary lifestyle, the muscles on the legs are not so developed, so the joints remain without appropriate protection. This increases the likelihood of injury.
Break types: injury classification scheme
During physical exertion, bruises, falls, it is very easy to break the ligaments on the leg. Symptoms may be different, since everything depends on the degree of damage to the joint. To date, there are two types of gap:
- A complete gap in which absolutely all the fibers of the ligament are damaged and it is divided into two parts.
- Partial rupture, in which part of the fibers retains its integrity. By the way, such an injury is often called a sprain, although tears are still present.
Depending on the cause, two forms of this violation are also distinguished:
- A traumatic rupture occurs as a result of a fall, a sharp movement, lifting weights, a bruise, etc. There is a sharp rupture, which is accompanied by pain, as well as an instant violation of joint mobility.
- In addition, degenerative ruptures of the ligaments are possible, which are the result of wear on the tendons and ligaments. As a rule, similar cases are observed in patients of mature and old age, as well as in people suffering from circulatory disorders and tissue nutrition. If ligaments and tendons receive an insufficient amount of nutrients and building materials, tissues become more fragile, thinner, less elastic and therefore more prone to tearing.
Severity
Many people are interested in the question of whether it is possible to tear the ligaments on the leg. Of course, yes. But there are several degrees of severity of such an injury:
- At the rupture of the first degree, only a few fibers are damaged, and the ligament itself retains its functionality and integrity.
- A gap of the second degree is accompanied by lacerations of about half of the ligamentous fibers. With such an injury, the ligament functions are severely impaired.
- The third degree of severity is characterized by a complete rupture of all fibers or by separation from the place of attachment of the ligament. Joint function is completely absent.
Symptoms, the chosen treatment regimen, and, of course, the duration and characteristics of the rehabilitation period depend on the severity of the injury.
The main symptoms of stretching and rupture
Of course, there are some fairly characteristic signs of torn ligaments on the leg. The first symptom is severe pain that occurs in the joint area. It is present at rest, but during movements it becomes more intense. Often the injury is accompanied by a characteristic crunch. The same crunchy sound comes from trying to move a 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 your leg. With a complete rupture, the joint, on the contrary, can bend unnaturally, which indicates its instability. With knee injuries, pathological patella mobility is possible.
There are some external signs that indicate that the ligaments on the leg are torn. The photo above demonstrates that during such an injury, severe swelling of the tissues around the joint often occurs. Subcutaneous bruising (bruising) often also occurs. Ligament rupture is often accompanied by the development of hemarthrosis and traumatic synovitis.
Tore the ligaments on the leg: what to do? First Aid Rules
Naturally, if there is such an injury, it is better to call an ambulance team or to deliver the victim to the hospital. If the ligaments on the leg are broken, it is extremely important to provide the patient with the correct first aid, which will not only alleviate the condition of the victim, but also reduce the risk of complications.
First you need to lay the patient by lifting his leg. This will limit blood flow. It is imperative that you do not move your leg, as any movement can lead to an even greater gap and other complications. Ice or something cold must be applied to the damaged joint. This will narrow the blood vessels, reduce swelling, partially reduce soreness. You can also give the person a mild pain medication, although with this it is better to wait until the hospital.
Diagnostic Methods
If you have any symptoms, you should consult a doctor. Only a specialist knows how to determine if the ligament on the leg is torn. First you need to conduct a general examination, collect information about the patient's condition, as well as how exactly he received the injury. Of course, having collected an anamnesis, the doctor may suggest a gap, but in order to make an accurate diagnosis, additional studies need to be done:
- Quite often, the patient is sent for an X-ray to find out if there are any other injuries, such as fractures, cracks, dislocations.
- Using magnetic resonance imaging, you can determine the location, number and degree of damage to the fibers.
- In some cases, computed tomography is also performed, which makes it possible to track the results of treatment.
- Additionally, 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 measures are enough to make an accurate diagnosis and determine the treatment regimen.
Ligaments on the leg are torn: conservative treatment
Only a doctor after examination can choose the most effective treatment regimen. How to treat torn ligaments on the leg? As a rule, in the first hours various studies and analyzes are performed, including a biopsy of intraarticular fluid. The patient is prescribed painkillers (for example, Analgin, Ketanov, Ketorol, etc.). On the first day cold compresses are applied to the damaged joint.
It is imperative to keep the leg still. For this purpose, bandages, knee pads, and later special bandages and elastic bandages are used. If inflammation is suspected, anti-inflammatory drugs are used, which also have an analgesic effect.
After the main symptoms are eliminated, begin the recovery process. During the rehabilitation period, the patient is recommended to attend massage sessions or to study self-massage techniques, this helps to increase blood flow, remove toxins, improve tissue nutrition and relieve muscle spasm.
Physiotherapy exercises are also indicated , which will help strengthen muscles, relieve stress from the joint and gradually restore its mobility. Classes should be held only in the presence of an instructor. In addition, the patient is prescribed various physiotherapy procedures.
When is surgery necessary?
Conservative therapy, of course, helps when the ligaments on the leg are torn. Treatment, however, can be prompt.
The decision to conduct surgery is taken on an individual basis. It all depends on the severity of the injury (for example, with a complete break, most likely, an operation is needed), the patient's condition, the presence of other injuries and diseases, lifestyle, the effectiveness of conservative methods, etc.
There are many surgical procedures to help eliminate the effects of injury. Some breaks cannot be simply sewn up - a ligament is transplanted from another place to the damaged joint. Naturally, after surgery, the patient will need rehabilitation.
Many are interested in how much the torn ligaments on the leg heal. The answer to this question also depends on many factors. For example, with a partial break, one month will be enough, while the operation may require a six-month rehabilitation.
Predictions for Patients with Similar Injuries
In modern medicine, quite often they encounter situations when the patient has torn ligaments on his leg. And many are wondering if a full recovery after a similar injury is possible. Immediately it is worth noting that here everything depends on many factors, in particular on the severity of the injury. Nevertheless, if therapy was started on time, passed under the supervision of a doctor and the patient followed all the rules during rehabilitation, then the prognosis is favorable. At the same time, refusal of treatment can lead to sad consequences up to the loss of joint mobility and functions.