What Happens During a Ligament Sprain?

So, you’ve managed to sprain a ligament—congratulations! We know it wasn’t on your to-do list, but it happens to the best of us. Whether it’s from a sudden twist, a misstep, or a dodgy tackle in the game, ligament sprains are a pain. But don’t worry, recovery is possible, and with the right treatment, you’ll be back on your feet in no time. Call (02) 9816 5092 to book an appointment with our physiotherapists at Hunters Hill Physiotherapy to start your recovery journey today. In the meantime, let’s understand the anatomy of ligaments, how sprains occur, and how recovery unfolds to help you manage your injury effectively.

What Are Ligaments?

Ligaments are strong bands of connective tissue that connect bones to other bones, helping to stabilise joints and limit unnecessary movement. They play a critical role in joint function and stability, as they prevent bones from moving in ways that could cause injury. Ligaments are composed mainly of collagen fibres, which provide strength and flexibility, although their structure means they have relatively limited blood flow. This lack of blood circulation can contribute to a longer healing time when they’re injured.

What Causes a Ligament Sprain?

A ligament sprain occurs when the ligament is overstretched or torn due to excessive force. This can happen in various ways:

• Sudden impact – For example, during a fall or an accident, the force may stretch the ligament beyond its normal range
• Twisting or turning movement – A sudden twisting motion can cause the ligament to overstretch, leading to a sprain.
• Repetitive stress – Overuse, particularly in sports or physical activities, can cause wear and tear on ligaments, making them more vulnerable to sprains.

Some common examples of ligament sprains include ankle sprains (often caused by twisting the ankle) or knee sprains (such as the anterior cruciate ligament, or ACL, which can be torn during sports involving sudden changes in direction).

The Grades of Ligament Sprains

Ligament sprains are categorised into three grades, based on the severity of the injury:

• Grade 1 (Mild sprain): In this case, the ligament is stretched but not torn. There may be mild swelling and tenderness, but the joint remains stable, and full function is often maintained. Recovery is generally quick, often within a week.
• Grade 2 (Moderate sprain): A grade 2 sprain involves partial tearing of the ligament. The injury causes more swelling, bruising, and discomfort. The joint may feel unstable, and movement could be limited. Recovery can take several weeks to a couple of months.
• Grade 3 (Severe sprain): This is a complete rupture of the ligament. The joint becomes unstable, with severe swelling, bruising, and pain. Full movement may be impossible without medical intervention, and surgery could be required. Recovery from a grade 3 sprain is lengthy and may require several months of rehabilitation.

What Happens During Recovery?

The recovery process from a ligament sprain depends on the severity of the injury. It generally progresses through three phases:

• Inflammatory Phase (0-72 hours): Immediately after the injury, the body starts the healing process by sending fluids and white blood cells to the site of injury. This phase is characterised by swelling, bruising, and pain. Rest, ice, compression, and elevation (R.I.C.E) are the key management strategies during this phase to control swelling and inflammation.
• Repair Phase (3-14 days): The body begins to form new collagen fibres to repair the damaged ligament. This phase is crucial for avoiding further injury, as the ligament is still vulnerable. Gentle movements and stretching exercises may be introduced to keep the joint mobile and prevent stiffness, but caution should be taken to avoid stressing the healing tissue.
• Remodelling Phase (2 weeks to several months): This phase is when the ligament strengthens and regains its full function. Rehabilitation exercises to improve strength, flexibility, and stability are essential. The muscles surrounding the injured joint are often targeted to prevent future injuries and provide added support. For more severe sprains, the recovery time may extend into several months.

How Can Physiotherapy Help?

Physiotherapy plays a pivotal role in recovering from a ligament sprain. (So that you can get back to pivoting on the sports field, and dancing through life.) For a mild sprain, physiotherapy can guide you through exercises designed to reduce stiffness, regain strength, and maintain joint mobility. For more serious sprains, physiotherapy helps manage swelling and pain, aiming to restore the function of the joint while guiding you through your comprehensive rehabilitation programme.

Whether you’re recovering from a grade 1 sprain or need more intensive rehabilitation for a grade 3 injury, our physiotherapists are here to help optimise your recovery and reduce the risk of re-injury. Call (02) 9816 5092 to book an appointment with us at Hunters Hill Physiotherapy and let us help you get back to full strength and movement.

Conclusion

Ligament sprains are common but manageable injuries, with recovery largely dependent on the severity of the sprain. Whether it’s a mild strain or a more severe injury, our physiotherapists are here to help you recover effectively and reduce the risk of further injury.

Information provided here (including text, graphics, images, outbound links, and other material) is for informational purposes only. It is general in nature and is not to be used or considered as a substitute for personalised professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your qualified allied health provider regarding any symptoms, medical conditions, or treatments and before undertaking any new health care regimen.