Ligaments are essential tissues in the human body that connect bones together, provide mobility, fixation and support for joints. In case of an unsuccessful fall, they may be stretched. In this case, complete ruptures of the ligaments or a small tear of the fibers are observed. Injuries of this type are most often received by people involved in extreme sports. How do torn ligaments manifest themselves?
Symptoms
If the ligamentous apparatus is damaged, the following symptoms may be observed:
- sharp pain radiating to the knee;
- muffled crackling sound when injured;
- swelling of the damaged area and enlargement of the joint in size;
- restriction of movement of the knee joint or, conversely, its “looseness”;
- feeling of dislocation of the lower leg to the side or forward;
- when walking, the victim cannot lean on the injured leg;
- when moving, uncharacteristic crunches and clicks in the knee appear;
- may be observedbruising some time after injury;
- when pressing on the kneecap, its excessive mobility is visible.
Rupture of knee ligaments: causes
The main factor in the appearance of this pathology is the movements of the knee, which cause its tension. This usually happens while running fast, when jumping, when stopping abruptly, changing direction, etc.
Knee ligament tears: types
The types of this pathology depend on which ligaments have been destroyed.
- Rupture of the lateral ligament. It is divided into damage to external and internal tissues. As a rule, it occurs when the leg is twisted and when hit under the knee from the side. Very often, such a pathology is associated with damage to the joint capsule and meniscus.
- Cruciate ligament rupture. It is also subdivided into damage to the anterior and posterior tissues. The first cause of injury is an unsuccessful landing after a jump, etc. A rupture of the posterior ligament most often occurs when hitting the knee or falling on it.
Diagnosis
When a knee joint is injured, to make a diagnosis such as ligament ruptures, a visual examination of the victim is carried out and an additional examination is prescribed using methods that will accurately show the type of tissue damage. These could be:
- ultrasound;
- radiography;
- magnetic resonance imaging.
Rupture treatmentbundles
When clarifying the diagnosis and assessing the general state of he alth, the victim must perform the following procedures:
- Apply cold compresses to the affected area. It is advisable to do this immediately, as soon as the injury has been received. As a result, vasoconstriction will occur, hemorrhage and swelling in the tissues will be insignificant.
- Apply bandages, dressings and bandages. This will prevent swelling and limit movement of the joint.
- The injured leg must be kept elevated, which will obstruct blood flow to the tear and reduce swelling.
- To reduce pain, various creams, ointments and other drugs with analgesic and anti-inflammatory effects are prescribed.
- Must exercise daily.
- Injured tissues are also massaged to relieve pain and swelling.
In case of a complete rupture of the ligaments, they resort to an operation.
