Degrees Of Pain & Discomfort: How Does A Torn Ligament Feel?

What Are Ligament Tears?

Ligament tears are a common sports injury. These injuries often occur from a fall, twist, or blow to a joint. Some ligament injuries are relatively minor, as in a minor ankle sprain. Others are more severe, such as an anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) tear. Here’s what to know about the types and severity of ligament injuries.

What are ligaments?

Ligaments are bands of tissue made of collagen. This tissue connects bones to bones. Each joint in the body contains ligaments. Ligaments are elastic, which means ligaments are designed to stretch and allow for fluid movement. If the ligament stretches too much, a person may experience a ligament injury.

Understanding sprains

Sprains occur when a ligament stretches or tears. A minor sprain, such as a twisted ankle, may heal within several weeks or months. More severe sprains, including full ligament tears, are usually much more involved and may require surgery.

Degrees of ligament injuries

Typically, healthcare providers classify sprains as grade 1, 2, or 3 injuries. Grade 1 sprains are when the ligament stretches but doesn’t tear. Grade 2 sprains are partial tears, and grade 3 sprains are full ligament tears.

What does a torn ligament feel like?

Torn ligaments often feel like a very unstable joint. People usually feel moderate to severe pain, and the joint may also swell or bruise. Some people who experience severe ligament tears may also hear a popping sound when the joint injury occurs.

How to treat minor sprains

A twisted ankle may be treated at home with conservative measures. People may take over-the-counter medications such as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). Many doctors also advise following the RICE method: rest, ice, compression, and elevation. People may avoid putting weight on the affected joint for several weeks while using crutches or other adaptive equipment such as a wheelchair.

What’s the treatment for major sprains?

Severe sprains may require more invasive treatment. An ACL tear, for example, usually requires surgery. These injuries often take several months to heal from and involve a period of rehabilitation after surgery.

Are there other types of ligament injuries?

Sprains and strains are one of the most common ligament injuries. People may also experience inflammation related to overuse injuries. Bursitis occurs when the small sacs that cushion bones and joints become inflamed. Bursitis may feel similar to a ligament injury. Usually, the treatment for bursitis involves a combination of rest and inflammation-lowering medications.

How can I prevent ligament injuries?

One of the most important ways to prevent any sports injury is to warm up properly before exercise. Many people warm up by performing static stretches, but it’s just as important to do light aerobic activity. People may walk or jog for 10-15 minutes before starting exercise. Well-fitting shoes, proper training, and maintaining a healthy weight are also important for injury prevention.

When should I see a doctor for a sprain?

Some minor sprains heal with at-home treatment and rest. If symptoms have continued for more than 2-3 weeks with no improvement, see a healthcare provider. A sports medicine provider can give personalized treatment recommendations to help people get back in the game faster.