Macon Physical Therapy - The Wellness Center - Joint and Ligament Injuries


Joint and Ligament Injuries



A ligamentous injury occurs when a joint is forced beyond its normal range of movement. A ligament tear may affect any number of ligament fibers, from a few to the entire ligament.

1. A partial tear by definition involves only part of the ligament fibers and does not affect joint stability.

2. A complete tear involves most, or all, of the ligament fibers, and the affected joint is unstable.



Location:
Joint and ligament injuries are common is sport and occur most frequently in the ankle, knee, elbow, wrist and shoulder.

Symptoms and diagnosis:
* Bleeding causing bruising, swelling and tenderness around the affected joint.
* Bleeding causing a haemarthrosis.
* Pain when the joint is moved or loaded (weight bearing).
* Instability of the joint, does vary depending upon the extent of injury in causing complete or partial tear.

Treatment:
In case of acute ligament injury, the following should be considered;
- Apply cooling to the joint.
- Support the joint by elastic bandaging. - Encourage rest and unloading of the injureed area.
- Elevate the limb.

Physical Therapy’s goals:
Through using modalities for pain management, swelling must be reduced. Active muscular exercise and mobility training is of the greatest importance during the rehabilitation phase.

Healing duration:
The healing of a ligament after an injury can take a long time, usually more than 6 weeks. Careful percussion must be considered by the therapist, while improving the movement of the limb healing process of the ligament must not be tampered.



























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