What is it? Ligaments are connective tissues that link bones and support joints. A “sprain” means a ligament is partially torn; a rupture means it is fully torn. Sprains can occur almost anywhere in the body, and typically occur acutely. Ankles and knees are the most common sites.
How does it occur? Injury or trauma, such as “rolling” an ankle.
What are the symptoms? Sudden pain from an injury, swelling, bruising, instability, difficulty weightbearing.
How is it diagnosed: A detailed history (story of how your pain developed), physical exam, and, when necessary, imaging (X-Ray, Point of Care Ultrasound (POCUS), and/or MRI). Most cases can be diagnosed without imaging.
What standard treatments are available? Rest, ice, analgesics, bracing or splitting, and physical therapy exercises are often effective. Cortisone injections are generally not recommended for ligament injuries.
What advanced, non-surgical treatments are available? Sometimes after an acute injury, trigger points can develop in regional muscles and mimic symptoms of the original injury. Therapeutic Needling can be very helpful in such cases. Chronic ligament pain can be treated with regenerative injections (e.g. PRP), and shock wave.
When should I schedule a consultation with Dr. Mahooti? If you sustained a ligament injury (or suspected ligament injury) that is not responding to standard treatments.
