Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs such as ibuprofen and naproxen can reduce inflammation and pain caused by an ACL tear. The short-term use of prescription medications may also be also be an option.
The generally accepted wisdom on how to initially treat a ligament injury can be summed up in one acronym: RICE, which stands for Rest, Ice, Compression, and Elevation.
NSAIDs are most commonly used for the relief of mild to moderate pain. Although the effects of NSAIDs in the treatment of pain tend to be patient specific, ibuprofen is usually the DOC for initial therapy. Other options include naproxen and ketoprofen.
Grade 1 and 2 ligament injuries can heal without surgical intervention. Doctors will use a combination of bracing, physical therapy, heat therapy, and medication to help with healing. The ligament responds well to these methods with a high overall success rate.
Typical treatment plans for torn ligaments
If you have a mild ligament tear, like a minor ankle sprain, you may be able to treat it at home. Orthopedic doctors often recommend the RICE therapy protocol (rest, ice, compression, elevation).
In many cases, injuries to tendon and ligaments such as common sprains and strains heal without surgical intervention. However, the process is often slow and results in the formation of inferior scar tissue, which can take years to remodel into more functional tissue.
It has been described that vitamin C (VC) is important in tendon and ligament healing, mainly due to its antioxidant properties and its function as a cofactor for collagen synthesis [1,2,3,4]. As an antioxidant, VC increases intracellular levels of reduced glutathione (GSH), a main intracellular antioxidant.
For minor tears with microscopic damage, it may take up to 6 weeks for a full recovery as long as you don't do anything to perpetuate the injury (i.e., like exercising before your doctor clears you to do so). Obviously, the more severe the tear, the longer it will take to recover, especially if surgery is required.
Rehabilitation is slowly progressed as the ligament repairs and a gradual return to normal activities can occur. Depending upon the ligament injury full level of activity can take 3 to 4 months or even up to 12 months. Very severe ligament injuries can even take longer.
NSAIDs are commonly used to treat pain and swelling associated with minor as well as major tendon and ligament injuries.
Medicines used to treat tendinitis include: Pain relievers. Aspirin, naproxen sodium (Aleve), ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin IB, others) or acetaminophen (Tylenol, others) may relieve tendinitis pain. Some of these drugs can cause stomach upset, or kidney or liver problems.
In case of ligament sprain or rupture, doctors generally will recommend using the knee normally. Walking should not cause any more damage. However, make sure to walk with your heel down first. In the case of recovering patients, gradually increase the activity duration.
It depends on the grade of the sprain. Grade 1 and grade 2 ligament injuries can heal themselves. But they will take time. They need proper care and doctor's supervision for better and quick healing.
Home remedies to treat an injured knee ligament
Initially, RICE is highly effective. You may need to use crutches for a number of weeks, to reduce the pressure put on the joint. Raising your knee on a pillow when you are sitting or lying down can help.
As a physical therapist, I am often asked by patients, what is the worst ligament to tear? The quick answer is that the ACL (Anterior Cruciate Ligament) is most likely to be considered the worst ligament in the knee to tear.
This is your body's healing phase. You will know when this phase is over because the injured area does not hurt and you no longer have restricted range of motion in the area. You will know when this phase is not complete because you may still pain pain, swelling, and some restricted movement.
A torn ligament can result in varying degrees of pain and discomfort, depending on the extent of the injury. It may produce heat, extensive inflammation, popping or cracking noises, severe pain, instability within the joint and an inability to put weight or pressure on the joint.
The collagen that vitamin-C produces also improves the body's ability to maintain bone, muscle, and tendons. The obvious place to start is with citrus fruits – such as oranges and grapefruits. Bell peppers, spinach, broccoli, tomatoes, and kiwi also have plenty of vitamin C.
Our findings suggest a role for vitamin D supplementation in decreasing inflammation in tendon and ligament in addition to its beneficial effects on muscle.
X-rays do NOT show tendons, ligaments, nerves, cartilage or blood vessels. X-rays typically show bones and joints, and may, at times, show the absence of skin (e.g. infection).
Good Sources of Vitamin A: eggs, fatty fish, leafy greens, yellow and orange vegetables. 5. Minerals: Eating foods rich in essential minerals also helps maintain healthy tendons and ligaments. Tendons contain small amounts of calcium and manganese, as well as the trace mineral, copper.
A torn ligament severely limits knee movement. This results in the inability to pivot, turn, or twist the leg. Surgery is a choice to repair a torn ligament if other medical treatment is not effective. There are 4 major ligaments in the knee.