Repetitive motion, overuse, and the natural aging process can cause damage to ligaments leading to pain and impaired function. In the Beverly Grove, Los Angeles Area, California, the experienced medical team at Nassos Orthopaedic Surgery offers surgical and nonsurgical solutions for ligament injuries. If you’ve had an injury, reach out to Nassos for comprehensive orthopaedic care by calling the provider or scheduling an appointment online today.
Tendons and ligaments are both made of fibrous connective tissue. Ligaments bind bone to bone to help stabilize joints while tendons attach muscle to bone.
Repetitive movement during sports, work, or everyday activities along with the natural aging process causes gradual wear-and-tear of the ligaments. Falling or getting into an accident can also cause an abrupt ligament injury. Torn ligaments are considered sprains that cause pain, bruising, and inflammation. The joint may feel weak and unable to bear weight. The intensity of your symptoms will depend on whether the ligament injury is a tear or is overextended.
Don’t ignore a potential ligament injury. Give the doctors at Nassos Orthopaedic Surgery a call to schedule an appointment.
Ligament injuries caused by a car accident or a fall can’t always be prevented, but there are steps you can take to prevent injuries caused by overuse or repetitive motions, including:
Doctors at Nassos Orthopaedic Surgery will discuss your symptoms, evaluate your condition, and obtain MRI or X-ray images as necessary to diagnose and recommend an appropriate ligament repair treatment.
Possible options for ligament repair may include:
To help relieve your ligament injury pain at home, try applying ice or cold packs for 20 minutes every two to three hours the first few days. Ice helps reduce pain and swelling in ligament sprains. You can also try resting the painful area and doing gentle stretching to prevent stiffness. Ligament injuries may take several weeks or months to fully heal.
Ligament repair surgery may be performed with local, regional, or general anesthesia. Your orthopaedic surgeon makes an incision over the injured ligament and sews the torn or damaged ends together. Severe ligament injuries, such as a torn knee ligament, require replacing the ligament with a healthy tendon.
If you have or suspect a ligament injury, call Nassos Orthopaedic Surgery to learn more about ligament repair options, or book an appointment online today.
