What is the difference between a ruptured ligament and a torn ligament

A health care provider can recommend proper rehabilitation practices and exercise. Sprain, strains and tears can generally be prevented by adequately warming up and stretching prior to rigorous activity, wearing protective equipment, wearing proper fitting shoes that provide stability and building and maintaining muscle and joint strength by exercising regularly.

Media contact: Dee Dee Grays , The differences between a sprain, strain and tear Know how they are caused, treated and prevented. Facebook 0 Tweet 0. Author Details. Nicole Bender. You may also like. Protecting against falls in the bedroom, bathroom. Recognizing women in science, aging, public health. In some cases to treat a severe sprain with a ruptured ligament , surgery or immobilization may be needed.

Most ankle sprains need a period of four to six weeks to heal properly. During this time, a cast must be used to protect and support the ankle. Physical therapy may also be recommended to help decrease pain and swelling and ultimately prevents chronic ankle problems. If you believe you have an ankle injury, you should have it checked out by one of our sports medicine specialists. Meanwhile, you can use the simple RICE method to treat the injury until your appointment. Previous Next.

Subscribe to our newsletter for joint health articles, procedure information, and news from the cutting edge of orthopedic care. A Tear? ACL and Other Ligament Injuries Can Be Caused By: Twisting your knee when your foot is planted Getting hit on your knee Extending your knee or other joints too far Jumping and landing on a flexed knee Not stretching Suddenly stopping when running or suddenly shifting weight from leg to leg These injuries are very common in football players, soccer players, runners and gymnasts.

Keep your thigh muscles strong with regular strengthening and stretching Warm up before you partake in heavy physical activities Maintain flexibility If you increase the level of your workout make sure to ease into it and gradually make it harder. Do not make sudden and quick changes to intensity Call Alexander Orthopaedic Associates Today If you or someone you know has suffered from a major sports injury, please do not hesitate to call us or consult a medical professional.

Other symptoms of an ACL tear include:. Some symptoms of a meniscus tear include:. You should see a doctor immediately after tearing or rupturing a tendon or ligament.

Swelling can affect the diagnosis of your injury. To diagnose a tendon or ligament injury or rupture, your doctor will collect your medical history and perform an exam. Tendon and ligament tears or ruptures are painful injuries that require an experienced orthopaedic specialist to properly diagnose and treat them. Choosing the best treatment option will depend on the extent of the tear or rupture, your desired activity level, and other factors.

If you don't intend on resuming your active lifestyle, your doctor may suggest the following nonsurgical treatments:. If you intend on returning to vigorous activities and sports, tendon tear or rupture surgery may be in your best interest. Health Alert:.