Torn ligament

What is a ligament rupture?

Ankle ligament injuries are typical sports injuries, but they can also be triggered by excessive twisting of the ankle, for example during a misstep. Pain and swelling are typical symptoms of the disease. The affected foot can no longer be loaded. When diagnosing, it is important to find out from an experienced orthopedic surgeon whether it is just an injury or a complete ligament tear. A special X-ray technique makes injuries to the ligaments visible. In addition, magnetic resonance imaging and ultrasound can confirm the diagnosis.

In the case of a ligament injury, the affected ankle joint is immobilized by means of a splint for several weeks to allow the ligament to heal on its own. Only the complete ligament tear is treated surgically on a case-by-case basis. In both cases, a specialist examination and therapy is necessary in any case. Untreated ligament injuries at the ankle joint can result in further foot diseases – up to ankle joint arthrosis.

Ankle ligament injuries are relatively unproblematic and usually heal on their own. However, ligament weakness caused by the disease at best can lead to instability, which is often the trigger for further ankle joint damage as a result of twisting the foot too violently. An outer ligament tear is a common sports injury, but it can also be caused by twisting the foot too hard. Any accompanying cartilage and bone injuries must be treated in any case.

If you have a ligament injury, you will immediately feel severe pain in your ankle. Swelling around the ankle is also usually seen, caused by damage to blood veins in the skin. The twisted foot can no longer be loaded. There are a few things to keep in mind when being treated by an experienced orthopedic surgeon.