Ligament Tears

Woodlands Hand To Shoulder Foot and Ankle Center

Hand, Wrist, and Elbow Surgery & Foot and Ankle Surgery located in Shenandoah, Sugarland, and Humble, TX

Ligament tears are common injuries that occur when you stretch the connective tissue beyond its capacity. Ligament tears may occur in any joint, including your shoulder, wrist, hand, or ankle. Treatment for ligament tears depends on the severity of the injury and may require surgery. The team at Woodlands Hand To Shoulder Foot and Ankle Center in Shenandoah, Sugarland, and Humble, Texas, specializes in nonsurgical and surgical treatment of ligament tears. For expert care, call the office closest to you or schedule an appointment online today.

Ligament Tears Q & A

What are ligament tears?

Ligament tears, also known as sprains, occur when your ligaments stretch too far. Ligaments are strong bands of tissue that connect your bones and support the movement and flexibility of your joints.

You may develop a ligament tear when your body falls, twists, or forcefully moves in an abnormal position. Ligaments tears affect joint stability.

When you have a ligament tear, the team at Woodlands Hand To Shoulder Foot and Ankle Center uses a grading scale to determine the severity of your sprain:

Grade I

A grade I ligament tear means you have a mild tear, and your joint remains stable.

Grade II

A grade II ligament tear means you have a more severe tear in the ligament, but not a complete tear and joint instability.

Grade III

A grade III ligament tear means you have a complete tear of the ligament.

What are the types of ligament tears?

There are many types of ligament tears, and the type depends on the location. Common types of ligament tears the team at Woodlands Hand To Shoulder Foot and Ankle Center treats include:

Ankle sprains
Rotator cuff tears
Shoulder instability
Finger sprains
Wrist sprains

Sprained ankles are one of the most common types of ligament tear the team treats.

How are ligament tears diagnosed?

When you visit the Woodlands Hand To Shoulder Foot and Ankle Center with concerns about joint pain and instability, the team conducts a comprehensive exam to determine the underlying cause of your symptoms.

They ask detailed questions about how the injury occurred and how it affects the use of your joint. They examine the affected body part and run imaging tests to confirm or rule out a diagnosis, such as an X-ray or MRI.

How are ligament tears treated?

Treatment for ligament tears depends on the location and severity of your injury. For a grade I or II ligament tear, the team may recommend rest, ice, compression, and elevation (RICE). Grade I and II ligament tears usually heal within 3-8 weeks.

If you have a grade III ligament tear, the team may recommend surgery to repair your torn ligament, followed by immobilization and then physical therapy.

Ligament tears may affect the stability of the affected joint. Don’t ignore your injury; schedule a consultation at Woodlands Hand To Shoulder Foot and Ankle Center by calling the office or booking an appointment online today.

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