What does a ligament sprain feel like

I believe that everyone must have often heard about ligament sprains in daily life, but the symptoms of ligament sprains are still not well understood. Everyone should have some understanding of the feeling that Asan presented, so that they can accurately check whether their body has ligament sprain. Especially those who exercise and dance regularly should be more aware of the related symptoms after ligament sprain.

1. Symptoms of ligament strain

Ligament rupture: This is usually caused by movements beyond the range of joint movement during activities, which leads to passive traction of the relevant ligaments and causes tearing or complete rupture. Ligament ruptures are often accompanied by sprains and fractures.

Ligament sprain: Ligament sprain refers to damage to the soft tissues of the limb joints or body (such as muscles, tendons, ligaments, blood vessels, etc.) without fractures, dislocations, skin and flesh damage, etc. The main clinical manifestations are pain and swelling at the injured site and limited joint movement, which often occur in the waist, ankle, knee, shoulder, wrist, elbow and hip.

Ligament contusion: It is usually caused by movements beyond the range of joint movement during activities. The degree of ligament injury is not serious, but redness and swelling will occur.

After a joint ligament is sprained, there will be local swelling, pain, tenderness, and a cyanotic area may be seen if there is subcutaneous bleeding.

2. Treatment of ligament sprain

2.1 Physical therapy

Cold and hot compresses: Rinse the injured area with cold water or apply ice to the area to stop bleeding. Then cover with a bandage and apply pressure to prevent swelling. After 24 to 48 hours, the internal bleeding in the injured area has stopped. You can then use a warm towel or massage to reduce swelling and promote blood absorption. When applying warm compress, the temperature should not be too high, the time should not be too long, and the massage should not be too heavy, so as not to aggravate exudation, edema or rebleeding.

Acupuncture: Acupuncture treatment is not limited by the time of injury, so the treatment is more flexible. The doctor will perform acupuncture treatment on different acupoints according to the injured part.

Massage and physical therapy: Generally, treatment should not be performed within 24-48 hours after the injury to prevent swelling or bleeding from worsening.

2.2 Surgical treatment

If the above methods are effective, surgical treatment can be taken. The doctor will repair the ruptured ligament. However, if the ligament is not completely ruptured, surgical treatment is not recommended.

2.3 Traditional Chinese Medicine

Traditional Chinese medicine believes that ligament sprain is caused by external force, which causes muscle and bone injuries, blood stasis, swelling and pain, disharmony of qi and blood, meridian blockage and even organ damage. So the fundamental purpose is to promote blood circulation and remove blood stasis.

3. What to eat when you have a ligament sprain

People with soft tissue injuries should avoid the following foods: carp, pickled bamboo shoots, ginger, etc. Western medicines should be used with caution, especially those containing hormones. Do not move the affected joints too much to avoid aggravating the injury.

Generally, soft tissue injuries are accompanied by qi stagnation and blood stasis. You can choose foods that have the effects of promoting qi and blood circulation, removing blood stasis and relieving pain, such as Panax notoginseng, scallion, tangerine peel, rose, crab, rapeseed, arrowhead, eggplant, hawthorn, etc. But be sure to note that if there is still bleeding, it should not be used.

If the injury lasts for a long time, there will often be deficiency symptoms. It is advisable to choose foods that nourish the liver and kidneys, such as grapes, black beans, pork, mutton, rabbit meat, etc.

Eating can only supplement certain nutrients, but it cannot replace medicine.

How to treat ligament sprain

1. Rest and stop exercising immediately, and do not put weight on the injured joints.

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

3. Oppression. Applying pressure to the injured area with a bandage or other methods can reduce bleeding and bruising. The bandage should be just tight enough that you can feel the pressure but not enough to cause numbness or ischemia in your extremities.

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