How to Fix a Torn Ligament

Tearing a ligament can be a very painful experience. Ligaments are structures within the body that connect bone to bone. Tearing a ligament can dramatically affect your ability to move certain muscles and bones. Athletes are among those who often experience this type of injury, which can be due to overuse of a certain area, poor conditioning or lack of warming up. A torn ligament can sometimes be treated at home. In some circumstances, the tear may be so severe that medical intervention is necessary.

Things You'll Need

• Ice
• Therapeutic bandage
• Crutches (possibly)
• Cast or splint (possibly)

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Instructions

• 1

  Rest the affected area in order to allow for healing. Torn or damaged ligaments can take up to six weeks or longer to heal. Resting the area may mean using crutches if the ligament is in a leg or foot. Sometimes you may have to wear a brace or cast on an injured area in order to restrict movement.

• 2

  Apply ice to the injury up to three times a day. Ice helps to reduce swelling and inflammation. Wrap the ice in a towel or thin cloth and apply for 10 to 20 minutes. If you experience numbness in the injured area before 10 to 20 minutes is up, remove the ice. The thinner the skin on the affected area, the less time you will need to ice it. You can also freeze water in a small paper cup, remove the upper edge of the cup when the water is frozen, and rub the exposed ice over the injured area for 10 to 20 minutes.

• 3

  Apply compression if possible. Compression, such as in the form of a therapeutic bandage, can provide additional support to the affected area. This extra support allows the injured ligament to rest and heal.

• 4

  Elevate the area as much as possible. Elevation also helps to reduce and swelling.

• 5

  Take anti-inflammatory pain medications, such as ibuprofen, as needed. Be sure to follow the given directions concerning dosage.