A ligament strain in the ankle joint is one of the most common sports injuries: For example, if the foot twists while jogging or gets kicked while playing soccer, it is not uncommon for a ligament strain to result. This can occur both in the upper ankle joint – the connection between the tibia, calf and ankle bone – and in the lower ankle joint. The lower ankle joint is made up of the talus, calcaneus and navicular bones.
Ankle ligament sprain: symptoms and treatment.
If there is a ligament strain in the ankle joint, it is usually an injury to the external ligament. This is because when the foot twists, the outer edge of the foot lowers and the inner edge of the foot lifts – resulting in a stretch of the outer ligaments. Depending on how much the ligaments are stretched in the process, individual ligaments can also tear when you twist your ankle.
Typical symptoms of a stretched ankle ligament are pain when moving the foot and a slight swelling of the ankle. The doctor can check whether the outer ligament in the ankle joint is torn or not with the so-called pop-up test. He tests whether the foot can be unfolded outward – if this is the case, there is probably a torn outer ligament.
Tapes can be used to treat a stretched ankle ligament, ensuring that the normal function of the joint is maintained. Special supportive bandages for the ankle also perform the same task. In order to safely prevent a renewed twisting of the ankle, a fixed splint that can be fastened around the ankle can also be resorted to during the healing process.
Ligament strain in the knee
Ligament strain in the knee can be caused by severe twisting movements that stretch the ligaments beyond the normal range of motion. Hyperextension in the knee and a blow or kick to the extended knee joint can also result in ligament strain. Ligament injuries in the knee are particularly common in sports such as soccer or skiing.
Numerous ligaments run through the knee joint – the medial and lateral ligaments, as well as the anterior and posterior cruciate ligaments. During sports, strains and torn ligaments can occur in all four ligaments. Typical symptoms of a ligament injury in the knee include pain as well as instability of the joint. If the medial ligament is injured, there may also be pain in the thigh.
In the case of a ligament injury in the knee, a ligament stretch and a ligament tear are often difficult for a layperson to distinguish, since a ligament tear rarely forms a bruise. In order to rule out a serious ligament injury, it is therefore always advisable to consult a doctor in the event of knee pain. This can limit the injury more precisely by means of various stability tests.
If there is only a stretched ligament, the joint remains stable during these tests, in contrast to a torn ligament. A stretched knee ligament can be treated by getting plenty of rest and wearing a brace: this provides additional stabilization to the joint and relieves pressure on the ligaments.
Strained ligaments in the finger or wrist joint
A ligament strain in the finger or wrist often occurs in ball sports such as volleyball or handball. If a ball is hit awkwardly, it can quickly lead to more serious injuries in the finger joint.
In the case of a stretched ligament in the finger joint, it is recommended to immobilize the injured finger with a tape bandage so that the stretched ligaments can heal in peace. Likewise, it is also possible to immobilize the injured finger with a bandage on an adjacent, healthy finger.
