How long does it take to recover from a knee ligament sprain?

Ligament sprain is a relatively common disease in daily life. Generally, it is caused by muscle or ligament sprain during exercise or physical gravity labor. Ligament sprain can easily lead to joint sprain, which greatly affects the health of the joint. Generally, the recovery period after ligament sprain is about 2-4 weeks. You need to observe the condition in time, pay attention to rest, stay in bed as much as possible, eat more foods rich in calcium, eat more nourishing foods, replenish the body with water in time, and do some light activities.

How long does it take to recover from a sprained ligament?

If it is a simple ligament strain without rupture, conservative treatment generally requires about 4 weeks for initial healing. The plaster can be removed after 3 to 4 weeks and functional exercises can be performed. However, the function of the affected limb may be partially affected in the early stages and requires a period of functional exercises before it can gradually return to normal.

Causes and common diseases

When the human body engages in weight-bearing activities or changes body position, the muscles, ligaments, fascia, synovium, etc. are pulled. When the joints are twisted or the muscles suddenly contract, a few fibers may be broken and small joints may move slightly and become dislocated, causing a strain. Ligament strain is usually caused by external force during labor or exercise that causes joint movement beyond the normal physiological range, resulting in strain, partial rupture or complete rupture of the ligaments around the joint. This is called a joint ligament sprain. The most common areas for joint ligament sprains are the knees, finger joints and ankles.

examine

After a ligament injury, small blood vessels usually rupture and bleed, causing local pain and swelling, intratissue bleeding, hematoma, joint swelling, movement disorders, and tenderness. During physical examination, obvious pain is found in the stretched ligament. If it is completely ruptured, the stability of the joint will decrease. CT examination can be done.

Differential Diagnosis

1. Ligament rupture

Movements beyond the range of motion of the joint may cause passive stretching of the relevant ligaments, leading to tearing or complete rupture. Ligament ruptures are often accompanied by sprains and fractures.

2. Ligament sprain

Ligament sprain refers to injury to the soft tissues (such as muscles, tendons, ligaments, etc.) of the joints of the limbs or the body. The main clinical manifestations are pain and swelling at the injured site and limited joint movement. It often occurs in the waist, ankle, knee, shoulder, wrist, elbow, and hip.

3. Ligament contusion

Generally, it is because the movements during activities are beyond the range of joint movement. The degree of ligament injury is not serious, and redness and swelling will appear.

Treatment principles

1. Actively carry out early repair

In order to avoid serious functional disorders in the late stage due to lack of proper treatment in the early stage.

2. Rest

Stop exercising immediately and do not put any weight on the injured joint.

3. Cold compress

Ice or other cold compresses can help reduce pain and swelling because lowered temperatures reduce blood circulation. Apply cold compress for 15 to 20 minutes at a time, three to four times a day.

4. Oppression

Applying pressure to the injured area with a bandage or other methods can reduce bleeding and bruising. The bandage should be wrapped just tight enough to feel pressure but not so tight that the ends become numb or lack blood flow.

5. Elevate the affected limb

The main purpose of elevating the affected limb is to reduce swelling and improve blood return.