Tendon and Ligament Injury Treatment Specialist Q&A

Ligamentous injuries involve damage to the ligaments, which are the tough, flexible connective tissues that connect bones at joints, to cartilage, or to other bones. These injuries can occur in various areas of the body and manifest in differing degrees of severity.

A Grade One ligament injury involves the stretching of the ligament, potentially accompanied by a mild tear. A Grade Two injury includes a more significant tear, while a Grade Three injury, the most severe form, involves a complete rupture of the ligament.

Ligament injuries can occur due to various reasons, including sudden injuries, overuse, or illness, and their impact can vary based on where in the body they occur and their severity. Some ligament injuries may resolve on their own, while others necessitate treatment from specialists such as those at Pain Specialists of Frisco.

When a ligament is injured, the symptoms can vary depending on the severity and location of the injury but often start with a distinctive popping sound at the time of injury.

This is usually followed by symptoms like pain, swelling, bruising, and a feeling of looseness in the joint, along with difficulty bearing weight on the affected area.

The severity of a ligament injury can range from mild, which might cause minimal concern, to severe, which can lead to excruciating pain and significant functional impairment.

Ligaments can be injured in a number of different ways including sprains from twisting or falling, or strains from overextension, with sprains directly affecting the ligaments themselves.

More severe injuries can impact daily activities and require careful monitoring and possibly medical intervention from facilities like Pain Specialists of Frisco.

Identifying ligament damage typically starts with the immediate symptoms experienced at the time of injury, such as hearing a snap or pop, followed by pain, swelling, and sometimes visible bruising.

Those with a ligament injury may notice a significant reduction in joint stability, experiencing a loose feeling in the joint, which might lead to difficulty in supporting weight or maintaining normal movements. The severity of the damage affects these symptoms, with more significant tears causing greater pain and functional difficulties. Patients who notice these symptoms should seek evaluation from pain specialists, especially if the symptoms do not improve with basic home care or if the joint’s functionality is severely compromised.

The most common ligament injuries are to the knees and ankles because these joints bear much of the body’s weight and are often subjected to considerable stress during physical activity.

The anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) in the knee is one of the most frequently injured ligaments, particularly vulnerable due to the knee’s complexity and the high demands sports and active lifestyles place on it.

Ankle ligaments are similarly prone to injury, often from twisting motions that can lead to sprains or tears. These types of injuries are prevalent in environments where sudden, sharp movements or impacts are common, such as in sports or physically demanding activities.

The treatment of ligament damage depends largely on the extent of the injury. Minor ligament injuries, such as slight sprains, may be effectively managed at home with the RICE method (Rest, Ice, Compression, Elevation), which helps reduce swelling and pain.

More serious injuries might require professional medical intervention. This can range from immobilization with a cast or crutches to surgical repair for complete tears.

Physical therapy is often a critical component of the recovery process, helping to strengthen the joint and restore full functionality. For those at Pain Specialists of Frisco, a variety of treatment options are available, including innovative non-surgical methods and regenerative medicine techniques. These treatments aim to facilitate healing and recovery, helping patients return to their pre-injury levels of activity.

Dr. Mohan our board-certified specialist, provides Tendon and ligament treatment at Pain Specialists of Frisco. Please contact us today for more information or to schedule an appointment online. We have convenient locations to serve you in Frisco, TX and Fort Worth, TX. We serve patients from Frisco TX, Fort Worth TX, Prosper TX, Little Elm TX, The Colony TX, Haltom City TX, Benbrook TX, North Richland Hills TX, and surrounding areas.