The body has around 900 ligaments.
These are made of fibrous collagen tissue that links bones together through their connections between joints. They serve to passively stabilize these joints while preventing the bones from grinding into each other. Sprains happen when the ligament is torn or stretched.
Ligament sprains usually occur when there is movement in the joint that is beyond its normal range of motion. When this happens, the collagen fibers within the ligament are pulled too far apart that it causes a tear. Sprains commonly occur in the knee, ankle, or shoulder.
The following are gradings of ligament injuries according to doctors:
Grade 1 or mild – Although the ligament is stretched, it is still intact. There may also be minimal bleeding and mild pain. Swelling may also occur with virtually no instability. In some cases, individuals experience a popping sensation as well.
Grade 2 or moderate – Unlike grade 1, this involves partial rupture of the ligament. There may be moderate bleeding accompanied by more considerable pain and swelling. There may also be instability.
Grade 3 or severe – This occurs when there is a complete tear in the ligament. It results in severe pain, extensive bleeding, and considerable swelling. The individual may find it extremely difficult to bear weight using the affected limb. A feeling of dislocation may also be experienced.
It is worth noting that varying levels of pain may be experienced. The degree of pain does not necessarily indicate the severity of the injury. In some cases, those with complete tears may only report mild pain.
Immediate discoloration and swelling may also occur when the ligament sprain is severe.
Ligament sprains can be caused by trauma or injury that severely stresses the joint and shocks it out of its position. This can cause overstretching or even tearing of the collagen fibers making up the ligament.
The following are common circumstances that cause ligament sprains:
Ankle – This occurs when an individual lands awkwardly on an uneven surface while walking, running, or jumping.
Knee – Pivoting during a fast-paced activity such as sports can cause ligament sprains in the knee.
Wrist – Sprains can occur at the wrist when an individual uses it to land on during a fall.
Thumb tennis – Racquet sports such as tennis or ping pong may cause overextension in the thumb.
Although anyone can get ligament sprains, the following factors can increase the risk:
Doctors usually recommend RICE treatment for ligament sprains. RICE stands for the following:
Rest – Doctors recommend that the affected area is rested for up to 48 hours. They also advise against placing weight on the limb during that time.
Ice – Ice placed in a plastic bag or in damp cloth is applied in 10-min intervals to slow down the inflammation and ease pain.
Compression – An elastic bandage or compression sleeve can help slow down swelling and help relieve pain in the affected area.
Elevation – The affected area is raised higher than the level of the heart which effectively prevents fluid from collecting in the area, reducing swelling.
Medication may also be prescribed by doctors to relieve pain. This includes paracetamol, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, and anti-inflammatory topical painkillers.
In extreme cases, doctors may also recommend ligament reconstruction surgery.
Traditional methods may be effective in keeping pain at bay in the short-term, but without properly addressing the underlying cause of the sprain, symptoms may recur.
At PróMotion Physical Therapy, we recognize that sprains may be caused by issues not directly at the site of the pain. Because of this, we evaluate the relationships between the moving parts of the body and how weakness in one area can cause problems in another.
A functional rehabilitation approach plays a crucial role in aiding the healing of ligaments. Instead of solely focusing on passive rest, this method emphasizes active, targeted exercises and functional movements that not only strengthen the surrounding muscles but also encourage controlled stress on the healing ligaments. By gradually reintroducing stress and loading to the injured ligaments through specific exercises and movements, the ligaments adapt and remodel more effectively. Additionally, this approach addresses biomechanical imbalances and movement patterns, reducing the risk of re-injury and enhancing overall joint stability. It not only fosters ligament healing but also ensures that the ligaments regain optimal function, allowing individuals to return to their daily activities and sports with reduced risk and improved long-term joint health.
Although these traditional treatment options may alleviate knee pain in the short-term, they may not be able to address the underlying cause. This can result in recurring pain in the knee. Additionally, these methods reportedly only work 45% of the time.
For lasting knee pain relief, we recommend one or more of the following treatment options.
Heat and Cold Therapy
These treatments may be used by themselves or together. They alter blood flow and effectively relieve pain. Cold treatment also reduces swelling, while heat treatment relaxes muscles and promotes the healing of damaged tissues.
Blood flow restriction, technology
Blood flow restriction (BFR), also known as occlusion training or vascular occlusion, is a rehabilitation technique that involves using specialized cuffs or wraps to partially restrict blood flow to a specific area of the body, typically an injured limb. Here’s a brief overview of the use of blood flow restriction for injuries:
BFR is increasingly used in the rehabilitation of knee injuries, particularly those involving muscles and joints. It can aid in the recovery process after injuries such as muscle strains, ligament injuries, and even post-surgical rehabilitation.
Functional rehabilitation processes
Applied Functional Science (AFS) is an approach to lower extremity rehabilitation that takes a holistic and personalized perspective, addressing not just the injured area but the entire body’s movement patterns and functional needs. In AFS, the lower extremity problem is seen as a result of interconnected factors, including joint mobility, muscle imbalances, and movement dysfunctions. The rehabilitation process begins with a thorough assessment to identify the root causes of the issue, focusing on how the body moves in its daily activities. Based on this assessment, a customized treatment plan is developed, incorporating exercises and interventions to improve biomechanics, mobility, strength, and overall function. AFS aims to restore not only the specific injured area but also the body’s natural movement patterns, promoting long-term recovery and preventing future problems by addressing the body as a whole. This approach empowers individuals to regain their optimal movement capabilities and improve their quality of life, making it an effective and comprehensive method for lower extremity rehabilitation.
Taping
McConnell taping, also known as patellar taping, is a technique used to address knee pain and instability, particularly related to conditions like patellofemoral pain syndrome or patellar malalignment. It involves the application of specialized tape to reposition the patella (kneecap) and modify its tracking within the femoral groove, aiming to alleviate pain and improve joint stability. The tape is strategically placed to influence the direction in which the patella moves during knee flexion and extension. This technique helps distribute forces more evenly, reduce pain, and enhance proper patellar alignment, allowing individuals to engage in activities with less discomfort and improved knee function. McConnell taping is often utilized as part of a broader treatment plan in collaboration with physical therapy and exercises to provide comprehensive knee rehabilitation.
Kinesio taping
K taping is a technique that utilizes elastic therapeutic tape to provide support and relief for various knee problems. This method is designed to facilitate the body’s natural healing process while offering several benefits. Kinesio tape can enhance blood and lymphatic circulation, reduce pain, and provide additional structural support to the knee joint. It can aid in the correction of biomechanical issues, reduce swelling, and improve muscle function. Kinesio taping is often used in the management of knee injuries, such as patellar tracking issues or ligament strains, as well as for post-surgical rehabilitation. It allows individuals to maintain a greater range of motion while receiving the support they need to alleviate discomfort and promote knee stability during daily activities and physical therapy.
Class IV laser
Class IV lasers, used in various medical and therapeutic applications, work by emitting focused and powerful beams of light in the infrared spectrum. These lasers generate energy that penetrates into the body’s tissues and interacts with cellular structures. The energy is absorbed by cells, particularly those with higher metabolic activity, and this absorption can stimulate several beneficial physiological responses. These responses include increased cellular energy production (ATP), improved blood circulation, reduced inflammation, and accelerated tissue repair. Class IV lasers are used to promote healing, reduce pain, and address a range of conditions, from musculoskeletal injuries to wound healing, by harnessing the therapeutic effects of laser energy on living tissues.
Instrument Assisted Soft Tissue Mobilization
(IASTM) can play a role in promoting ligament healing by addressing several key aspects of the healing process. When used on and around the affected ligament, IASTM tools can break down scar tissue and adhesions that may have formed as a result of injury, facilitating better blood flow and nutrient supply to the ligament. Additionally, IASTM can stimulate the body’s natural healing response by promoting the recruitment of fibroblasts and collagen production, which are essential for ligament repair and strengthening. This technique not only improves tissue flexibility but also aids in the restoration of proper biomechanics and movement patterns, reducing stress on the healing ligament and helping it recover more efficiently.
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