When the joint is stressed beyond its normal range, ligaments surrounding it may get strained. The most common reasons for the occurrence of ligament injury are landing awkwardly or twisting.
This type of injury most frequently happens when the ligaments around a specific joint are fully stretched which can cause it to tear away from the bone.
Ligaments that usually tear are knee and ankle ligaments. This occurs as these joints bear weight and are under high pressure. Orthopedic Institute of the West, led by board-certified orthopedic surgeon Dr. Brandon Gough, provides hip and knee surgery procedures to patients in Phoenix, Scottsdale, Arizona, and surrounding locations.
INITIAL TREATMENT
Rest
In the initial stage of the injury, the patient should take adequate rest and minimize movement of the injured site. The main precaution is not to undertake any activity that causes pain for the initial two to three days. Subsequently, the patient should resume movements as not doing so could lead to the development of other issues.
Ice
The use of ice is advisable for the initial two to three days following the injury. The patient should apply ice for 20 minutes until the injury emanates “heat” every two to three hours for the initial few days. Ice can help decrease the pain and inflammation in traumatic soft tissue injuries including ligament sprains, bruising or muscle tears.
Compressive Bandage or Support
The application of elastic support or compressive bandage to the injury will help manage the inflammation and bleeding in the initial few days. In a majority of cases, the bandage or support will be helpful as the new scar tissue forms within the injured site. This will help in pain reduction.
Elevation
In the initial few days, injury elevation is useful. The inflammation will settle down at the lowest point with the assistance of gravity. It is prudent to rest the injury at an elevation above the heart level.
Physical Therapy
According to researchers, the use of physical therapy for the treatment of acute soft tissue injuries within a few days of the injury has various advantages, including:
- Faster pain relief through soft tissue massage, joint mobility techniques, electrotherapy, etc
- Enhancing the quality of the scar tissue via techniques to manage the direction it develops in
- Getting the patient back to sport or other activities faster through quicker healing rates
- Relaxing or strengthening the injured area with specific exercises and techniques
LIGAMENT TEAR SURGERY
The patient may undergo ligament tear surgery as an outpatient procedure, and it rarely warrants a hospital stay. The procedures may differ on the basis of the patient’s condition. The patient may receive this procedure while they are asleep under general anesthesia. Alternatively, they can undergo the repair procedure while they are awake under spinal anesthesia.
In general, the ligament repair surgery involves the following:
An IV (intravenous) line will be started on the patient’s arm or hand. They will be placed on the operating table. The anesthesiologist will remain in attendance during the procedure to monitor the patient’s blood pressure, heart rate, breathing, and blood oxygen.
The surgeon will place multiple tiny incisions in the knee region and perform the surgery via an arthroscope. Board certified orthopedic surgeon Dr. Brandon Gough receives patients from Phoenix, Scottsdale, Arizona, and nearby areas for ligament tear injury.
For more information about hip and knee procedures and treatments by Arizona Board certified orthopedic surgeon, Brandon Gough, M.D., please click here or call us at 602-359-3088. Taking new patients in and around Phoenix, Scottsdale, Glendale, Tempe, Mesa and surrounding Arizona cities.
