ACUTE JOINT INJURIES
A ligament sprain is a common injury that occurs when the strong, fibrous bands of tissue that connect bones to one another are stretched or torn. These injuries happen when a joint is forced beyond its normal range of motion, leading to pain, swelling, and instability. While many minor sprains heal with time, more significant tears can lead to chronic instability and recurring injuries if not treated properly. We specialize in the precise diagnosis and advanced non-surgical treatment of ligament injuries, utilizing regenerative medicine to help your body heal the damaged tissue and restore joint stability.
INJURY MECHANISMS
Ligament sprains are almost always acute injuries that result from a sudden twist, fall, or impact that forces a joint beyond its normal limits, overloading the ligaments.
The most common cause. Sudden pivots, cuts, awkward landings, or direct blows in sports are classic mechanisms for knee and ankle sprains.
A simple trip or fall can cause you to land awkwardly, forcing a joint like your ankle or wrist into an unnatural position and tearing the ligaments.
The high forces involved in a motor vehicle accident or other major trauma can easily overwhelm the ligaments of the spine, knees, and other joints.
Forcing a joint too far in one direction, such as when you break a fall with an outstretched hand, can cause a significant sprain.
GRADES OF INJURY
The symptoms of a sprain depend on its severity, which is classified into three grades based on how badly the ligament is damaged.
The ligament is stretched but not torn. This causes mild pain, tenderness, and some swelling, but the joint remains stable.
A partial tear of the ligament. This results in more significant pain, swelling, and bruising, and the joint may feel loose or unstable.
A complete tear (rupture) of the ligament. This causes severe pain, swelling, and often a "popping" sound. The joint is unstable and cannot bear weight.
Unlike overuse injuries, a significant sprain typically causes immediate, sharp pain at the time of injury, followed quickly by noticeable swelling.
A distinct feeling that the joint is wobbly, loose, or wants to "give out." This is a key indicator of a moderate to severe ligament tear.
Discoloration often appears within hours to a day after a significant sprain as blood from the torn ligament fibers pools under the skin.
ADVANCED SOLUTIONS
Treatment depends on the grade of the sprain. While mild sprains heal with conservative care, more significant tears benefit from advanced interventions to ensure proper healing and prevent chronic instability.
For partial tears (Grade 2), Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) injections can be a powerful tool, using your own growth factors to stimulate and accelerate ligament healing.
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Protecting the injured joint with a brace, splint, or walking boot is crucial in the early stages to allow the damaged ligament to begin healing without further stress.
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After the initial healing phase, a specific exercise program is vital to restore range of motion, strength, and proprioception (balance) to prevent chronic instability.
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Musculoskeletal ultrasound allows us to visualize the ligament in real-time to determine the exact grade of the sprain and guide treatments with pinpoint accuracy.
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In cases of severe swelling and pain, a corticosteroid injection can be used to quickly calm the inflammatory response and allow for more effective rehabilitation.
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The essential first aid for any sprain: Rest the joint, Ice the area to reduce swelling, Compress with a wrap, and Elevate the limb above your heart.
Learn MoreA sprain or torn ligament can be a major setback, leading to pain and instability. But surgery isn't your only option. We specialize in advanced, non-surgical treatments that use your body's own healing power to repair damaged ligaments and restore joint stability. Don't let an injury sideline you. Contact us to learn about modern options for healing ligament tears.