Swelling | Torn ligament foot

Swelling

After a torn ligament, the joint is often quickly and severely swollen. This is due to the fact that the ligaments are supplied with blood on the one hand and can bleed into the surrounding tissue on the other. On the other hand, this can also be caused by a joint effusion.

The strain stretches/compresses not only the ligaments but also the capsule. The joint produces more synovial fluid to improve the nutritional situation and to protect the joint mechanically. This results in swelling within the capsule and the joint becomes thick.

In addition, when structures of our body are injured, our immune system is always involved. This leads to a classic inflammatory reaction – an increased blood flow, which leads to redness and heat. In addition, there may be a restriction of function due to the swelling, but also due to the reflex tensing of surrounding muscles. The swelling can be limited by the “PECH strategy” described above.

Blue joint

Torn ligaments also cause bleeding in the torn areas. The blood that leaks into the tissue causes the classic bruise. The blood coagulates in the tissue and is degraded by the body. First the blue color develops, then the bruise turns green and yellow, which is caused by the degradation of the blood cells, until it finally disappears.