Duration of the healing phase
The duration of a ligament injury always depends on whether the ligament is overstretched, torn or completely torn off and whether other structures are also affected. It also plays an important role in how far the patient adheres to the instructions of the doctor and physiotherapist and whether the treatment was conservative or surgical. In addition, the location of the injury is also important.
An ankle ligament injury can last between 2-12 weeks. With knee injuries, it often takes longer, so a torn cruciate ligament can mean a break between 6-12 months. A ligament injury to the shoulder usually heals between 4-12 weeks. All these figures assume an uncomplicated healing process and may be protracted if complications arise.
Symptoms of torn ligaments/strain
The symptoms of ligament injuries are usually pain in the joint directly after the accident, which usually makes further execution of the movement impossible. The joint is no longer able to bear heavy loads and shows more or less pronounced pain symptoms. In most cases, a local swelling of the joint occurs shortly after the injury. The trauma can also lead to inflammation, which is visible from the outside due to redness and persistent swelling. The affected persons are severely restricted in their movements by the injury.
Summary
For all types of ligament injuries, regardless of the joint, it is important that patients adhere exactly to the rest and relief phases after the injury as prescribed by their doctor and therapist, so that the ligaments have time to heal. Passive exercises right at the beginning of therapy can help to restore strength, mobility, stability and coordination of the joint as quickly as possible. Under the professional supervision of an experienced therapist, patients can also perform the exercises learned in physiotherapy at home in order to achieve the best possible rehabilitation results without the risk of late effects in the course of the injury.
