Injuries to the Leg Ligaments

Injury to the leg ligaments, especially the ligaments around the knee or ankle, is a fairly common hazard. A fall while skiing or running, a direct impact to the leg or a jump gone wrong could cause serious problems. Ligament injuries may also occur in automobile accidents, when the bent knee strikes the dashboard at high speeds. Treatment for a ligament injury depends on the extent of the damage and when the injury occurred.

Definition

• Ligaments are tough tissue that connects the bones together in bands. They're found in just about every joint in the human body, but some joints are more likely to suffer from injury. These bands of tissue direct movement in the joint, preventing the joint from flexing in the wrong direction and keeping movement smooth.

Symptoms

• Swelling, mild to moderate pain and difficulty moving all indicate damage to a ligament, also called a sprain. When the ligament is forced beyond its natural range of elasticity, a sprain occurs. In serious cases, the ligament itself may tear. The joint may feel loose and unstable. It may not support weight and the area may be very sore or tender.

Treatment

• Mild ligament injuries require only minimal treatment. People with a minor sprain may walk on the injury as much as they can tolerate, and should perform exercises to maintain strength and flexibility. More serious sprains may require immobilization and physical therapy. Some cases of fully torn ligaments require surgical reconstruction.

Considerations

• A damaged ligament may not be the only problem after an injury. According to the Mayo Clinic, many cases of ligament injury also include damage to cartilage and other structures. Patients with this kind of injury may suffer long-term knee pain, unstable joints and a higher risk of arthritis in the affected joint. Correct treatment of the sprain and appropriate physical therapy can reduce these risks slightly.

Expert Insight

• According to Northwestern University, running on artificial turf may increase the chances of damage to some ligaments. Athletes put less strain on the anterior cruciate ligament in the knee when they run on natural grass than when performing on artificial turf. Wearing the correct shoe may also affect risk: cleats on natural grass are less stressful to the ligament than other shoes. Athletes should wear turf shoes when playing on artificial turf, as these specialized shoes also reduce strain.