Symptoms
A torn ligament in the foot initially manifests itself as severe pain, which is directly caused by an injury. In most cases, the foot or ankle swells very quickly and severely. This pressure or the course of the accident can tear blood vessels and lead to bruising, the foot turns reddish-bluish.
Usually it is very painful to put pressure on the foot, but it is possible. The symptoms of a torn or pulled ligament are initially hardly different. The extent of the pain cannot necessarily give an indication of the severity of the injury, as a torn ligament often causes more pain than a torn ligament.
Very typical for a torn ligament in the foot is that a change in mobility can be felt in the ankle joint, i.e. it appears unstable and the occurrence on the foot becomes uncertain. A swelling of the ankle or the entire foot and the associated severe pain are typical of a ligament injury to the foot. When a ligament is torn, the swelling is usually only slighter than in the case of a torn ligament, which may be accompanied by severe swelling and a throbbing sensation.
Typically, a torn ligament results in bruising (haematoma), as the tissue is severely damaged and blood leaks into the surrounding tissue. In order to keep the swelling as low as possible and to minimise the associated pain, the injury should be cooled immediately. A slightly compressing bandage can additionally prevent excessive swelling of the joint, but under no circumstances should too much pressure be exerted so that the blood supply is not restricted.
Raising the foot also reduces the swelling. The swelling of the foot lasts for about two to five days in the case of a torn ligament. During this time the swelling is usually accompanied by severe pain, which also decreases as the swelling subsides.
Causes
A torn ligament in the foot is usually caused by extreme movement in the ankle joint. This places a heavy load on the ligaments and causes them to exceed their normal range of motion – the ligament tears. The most common mechanism on the foot is twisting.
However, external force, such as a kick against the foot or leg, can also lead to ligament injury. It is not necessary to perform a sporting activity to tear a ligament on the foot. Even the wrong placing of the foot or slipping on wet ground in everyday life can lead to a torn ligament on the foot.
Sports that most frequently lead to ligament injuries on the foot are mainly football, jogging, skiing, tennis and squash. The rapid changes of direction and stop-and-go movements in these sports, as well as possible uneven surfaces, place a great deal of strain on the ligaments of the foot, which can lead to a torn ligament. But genetic causes, such as foot malpositions or soft ligaments, can also increase the risk of torn ligaments in the foot.
