A ligament injury is a sprain or tear that occurs when a ligament is stretched too far or forced to move in the wrong direction. Ligaments are tough, flexible tissues that connect bones or cartilage at a joint. They can be injured anywhere in the body, but the most common injuries occur in the knee, ankle, foot, shoulder, elbow, or wrist.
Symptoms of a ligament injury include: Pain, A popping sound when the injury occurs, Swelling, Instability, and Difficulty moving the joint.
Ligament injuries can be caused by:
Treatments for ligament injuries may include: Icing the injury, Wearing a brace, Using crutches to keep weight off the injured leg, Physical therapy to strengthen the muscles that support the joint, and Medicine.
The time it takes to fully recover from a ligament injury depends on the severity of the injury and how quickly the person heals. A moderate ankle sprain may take 3 to 6 weeks to heal, while a severe sprain can take 8 to 12 months.
To reduce the risk of ligament injuries, you can: Warm up before more intense activities, Maintain flexibility, Make changes slowly, and Regularly stretch and strengthen your thigh muscles.