Duration of a ligament stretch
Definition of ligament stretching
Ligaments are cords of connective tissue that connect moving parts of the human skeleton. They mainly occur in the area of the joints. They are used to restrict mobility and movement to a level that is desired by the body. In addition, they have a stabilizing and firming effect.
Their wavy fiber arrangement enables them to cushion and reduce the forces acting on them. If the ligament is stretched, the normal range of motion of the ligaments is exceeded. It is a ligament injury of the first degree and represents the preliminary stage to a torn ligament. The causes are mostly in unwanted or incorrectly executed movements, as they often occur in sports injuries. A typical event that leads to ligament stretching is the twisting of the foot.
Duration of a ligament stretch
The duration of a ligament stretch depends on the severity of the strain, the type of ligament affected and the stress applied during the disease process. The ligamentous apparatus of the knee and ankle is permanently exposed to body weight and constant movement and is more difficult to cure than, for example, ligament stretching on the finger. An overstretched ligament is also only partially capable of regeneration. There is a so-called "Defect healing"The ligament takes place, in which there is an incomplete or excessive repair of the injured tissue. This can result in functional losses in the affected joint with permanent discomfort or restricted mobility. The affected ligament is often prone to renewed ligament stretching.
The basic treatment of ligament stretching, regardless of the joint, is to permanently reduce the load. Usually an uncomplicated ligament stretch heals after two weeks. The time frame varies, however, depending on the affected joint. In some cases it can take weeks to months before the ligamentous apparatus can be put under some load again.
Athletes should refrain from exercising for several weeks and slowly train the affected joint again when the symptoms decrease.
If left untreated and through early stress, ligament stretching can lead to instability, misalignment, chronic pain, stiffening in the joint and renewed ligament strains. Here the pain is usually stronger than before.
For more information, please also read our page: Duration of a ligament stretch.
Ligament stretch at the knee
If the knee is stretched, the ligaments in the knee are strained. These are usually the so-called cruciate ligaments or that Inner band, which with the meniscus - one crescent-shaped cartilage system - the knee is connected. The Outer band however, due to its independence from the meniscus, it is less likely to suffer from strains. Classically, the injury occurs Skiers and Footballers on. When the accident happened, the joint surface slips briefly out of its normal position and thus exceeds its range of motion by twisting or buckling.
Depending on the degree of ligament stretching of the knee joint come different therapeutic measures to carry. In the case of a slight stretching of the ligaments, immobilization for about two to six weeks, the additional use of cold packs and pain reliever ointments are sufficient. Severe strain of the knee joint should be treated with straighteners or bandages to restrict the ligaments from moving. The Immobilization takes place for about four to six weeks. Typical here is the pain sensitivity of the knee joint, which sometimes extends over three to four months. It should be possible to resume full exposure after a maximum of four months. If there is permanent restriction of movement or pain, you should definitely consult a doctor!
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Athletes (joggers, soccer players, etc.) are particularly often affected by diseases of the foot. In some cases, the cause of the foot discomfort cannot be identified at first.
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Ligament stretch at the ankle
A ligament stretch in the ankle is usually a strain in the ankle joint of the foot. The most common cause is in Buckling of the foot, mostly to the inside. The ankle twisting outwards is rare, often more serious and of long duration of illness. The immediate therapy of ligament stretching of the ankle consists of the so-called PECH rule: Break and suspension of movement, ice for cooling, compression and Elevation of the affected joint.
A crutch can be helpful for the first few days after the accident. The duration of treatment is approximately four to six weeks. The affected foot should be immobilized as much as possible. It lends itself to the use of medical aids such as functional associations, elastic plaster (Tapes) or so-called Orthotics (Support rails) on. They partly take over the hinge function and additionally prevent a new twist by providing stability. Light office work can be carried out after one to two weeks. Sports activities and extensive movements should be started after six to twelve weeks by slowly increasing the load.
Ligament stretch on the shoulder
The shoulder joint is stabilized by three large ligaments. These are stretched between the collarbone and shoulder. Ligament stretching in the shoulder area is rare. It is usually the result of a fall on the shoulder, for example when falling from a horse, bike or while skiing. Usually a short immobilization in a stabilizing bandage is sufficient. The healing time is about two to four weeks.
