Ligament Tear: Symptoms, Grades, and Diagnosis

Ligaments are elastic connections between the bones in a joint, and they are damaged when a sudden movement exceeds the normal range of motion. A ligament tear can be microscopic or complete, and the grade determines how long the joint will take to recover. Below: what torn ligaments mean, what symptoms occur, and how diagnosis is carried out.

What a ligament tear is and how ligaments are structured

Ligaments connect the bones in a joint and keep it within the normal range of motion. A ligament sprain is in fact always a tear: either at the microscopic level, or at the level of individual collagen fibers, or of the entire ligament. The ligaments of the ankle and knee joints are most often injured. Ligaments have a high regenerative capacity, and in most cases they heal on their own even after a complete tear. Do not confuse ligaments with tendons: tendons connect muscle to bone.

Grades of injury: sprain, partial tear, and complete tear

With a mild sprain, the tear occurs at the microscopic level. With a moderate injury, individual collagen fibers rupture — this is a partial ligament tear. With a severe injury, the entire ligament tears. With a moderate injury, joint mobility is significantly limited. With a complete ligament tear, by contrast, the joint becomes excessively mobile and unstable, which is especially noticeable after the swelling subsides.

How torn ligaments manifest: main symptoms

Ligament injury causes pain when moving the joint, which intensifies when trying to turn the joint in the direction in which it was stretched during the injury. It also hurts when pressing on the area of the ligaments and their attachment points to the bones. With a leg injury, pain occurs when stepping on it, sometimes to the point of being completely unable to bear weight on it. Joint swelling gradually increases, sometimes reaching a large size. Hematoma, redness, and increased skin temperature in the area of the injury are possible; often a bruise appears on the second day and slightly below the site of injury. With a moderate or severe injury, a pop is sometimes heard — a sign of a ruptured fiber in the ligament.

What causes ligament injuries

A sprain occurs with sudden movements in the joint that exceed its normal range of motion. A fall, twisting, or impact also lead to ligament injury. Common causes include lack of warm-up before exertion, tired muscles, and sports. The wrists, ankles, thumbs, and knees are most often affected.

How a ligament tear is diagnosed: examination, ultrasound, MRI

First, the doctor examines the joint and assesses pain, swelling, and mobility. X-ray may be needed to rule out a fracture: fractures caused by indirect force are almost always accompanied by ligament sprains, and it is not easy to distinguish them without an image. Ultrasound and MRI are used to assess soft tissues. These examinations help visualize the condition of the ligaments and the degree of injury.

Possible consequences and when to see a doctor

After 2 weeks, most sprains and partial tears feel better, but severe injuries can take months to recover. If joint instability develops after a complete tear and does not respond to conservative treatment for a long time, surgery may be discussed. See a doctor if the injury is very painful or the pain worsens, if the swelling or bruise is large or increasing, if you cannot bear weight on the leg or walk more than a few steps, if the joint is very stiff or difficult to move, and also if self-care does not bring relief.

A ligament injury by itself is not a reason to call an ambulance; 103 or 112 — if a crack was heard during the injury, the limb has changed shape or is positioned at an unnatural angle, numbness or tingling has appeared, or the skin around the injury has turned blue, gray, or become cold to the touch.

• Pain and tenderness around the joint that worsen with movement
• Swelling and bruising in the area of injury
• Inability to bear weight on the limb or use it as usual
• Limited mobility with a partial tear and instability with a complete tear
• A pop at the moment of injury

This material is for reference and does not replace a doctor's consultation: the exact grade of injury and the examination plan are determined by a specialist after examination.

This content is for reference and does not replace a doctor's consultation. Medical disclaimer