Tape elongation

Definition

Ligament stretching is understood to be an excessive stretching and extension of one or more different collateral ligaments that stabilize the joint, usually triggered by traumatic events. Ligament stretching is the most common consequence of sports accidents, can be extremely painful and can last for a long time.

Causes

The most common causes of ligament stretching are sports or everyday accidents. There are 2 forms of ligament stretching. In one form, normal movements in a joint, e.g. ankle joint, are carried out as usual, but too strongly.

In this case, the ligaments in the ankle joint are pulled unphysiologically far. Even a fraction of the time of a stretch is sufficient to cause long-lasting pain to the affected person. After overstretching, the patient is usually notified of a strong pain stimulus, which immediately causes him to bring his joint into the physiological position.

Nevertheless, minimal injuries in the area of the ligament have occurred within a very short time, although it has quickly returned to its normal starting position. The second form of ligament stretching is caused by unphysiological movements. Here, unintentional movements are performed for which the corresponding joint is not intended.

Here too, the overstretching only lasts a short time, but is sufficient to cause long-lasting pain. In most cases, both forms of stretching are caused by bending (e.g. at the curb) or twisting (e.g. when playing football).

Ligament stretching is the preliminary stage of ligament rupture, which can also happen in both situations. In principle, ligament elongation can occur in all joints secured by ligaments. As a rule, however, ligaments of the lower extremity, such as the knee or ankle joint, are affected.

Ligament strains occur more rarely without a twist or sudden trauma having occurred. Some patients wake up in the morning complaining of pain in the knee or ankle joint. In this case, unconscious nocturnal twisting may have caused the corresponding ligament to be overstretched.

Ligament stretching can also lead to an accompanying swelling in the affected joint. The reason is mainly inflammatory fluid that flows into the affected joint due to the ligament stretching. Ligament stretching causes micro-injuries which can be distributed over the entire affected ligament and lead to severe pain.

Duration of an elongation of the ligament

The duration of ligament stretching depends on the severity and nature of the accident and the type of joint affected. For example, ligaments belonging to a smaller joint tend to be less sensitive to pain. A stretched ligament would therefore heal faster.

On the other hand, stretching the strong ligaments of large joints, such as the knee or ankle joint, can take a very long time. On average, the pain of a ligament stretch lasts about 3-14 days. Anything beyond that is highly suspicious. After about a week, if the pain in the corresponding joint has not improved, an examination should be carried out to see whether the ligament has torn or completely torn. This examination can either be done with an ultrasound (which may not be as good) or with an MRI scan, which provides the best images and shows all joints and ligaments very well.