Torn ligaments and tendons are commonly the result of slip and fall accidents, many of which occur around the home, in a store, or even a restaurant. Knees, ankles, wrists and elbows are some of the most commonly injured joints with ailments that include sprains and strains.

A stretched ligament may result in pain, numbness, tingling and pressure due to inflammation around the site of the injury.

A torn ligament can result in varying degrees of pain and discomfort, depending on the extent of the injury. It may produce heat, extensive inflammation, popping or cracking noises, severe pain, instability within the joint and an inability to put weight or pressure on the joint.

If ligaments in the hand, wrist or elbow are torn or stretched, it may be hard to grasp or hold onto objects. Because ligaments and tendons are made of connective tissue, continued use and movement may only aggravate the injury further.

If you feel that you may have torn a ligament or tendon, you should seek medical attention immediately. Attempting to stabilize the joint on your own can cause the injury to worsen. If you leave the injury untreated, the risk of it healing abnormally is also a concern.

Over-the-counter medications may help to reduce inflammation and pain. It is important to limit the amount of movement of the injured area as much as possible until you can consult with a physician.

In most cases, a brace is needed to stabilize the joint until sufficient healing takes place. If the injury is severe enough, surgery may be required to ensure the ligaments and tendons are properly attached to their respective origin and insertion points. Many doctors recommend a short period of physical therapy to help strengthen the area and facilitate the healing process.

Sprains and strains also take considerable time to heal because they affect the ligaments and tendons. Ligaments and tendons are made of connective tissues that have a limited blood supply. Since oxygen is needed for an injury to heal, these specific areas take a significant time to heal because they do not have the same exposure to oxygen as muscles and other types of soft tissue.

If you feel you have a ligament or tendon that may be torn, consult with the friendly staff of Multi-Care Medical. For your convenience, we have offices in Fort Myers, Cape Coral and Pembroke Pines, Florida. Each office is equipped with the diagnostic tools to help us determine the severity of your injury. With a treatment plan designed with your personal needs in mind, you’ll be feeling better in no time.