Tendon and ligament tears or ruptures are injuries to the soft tissues that connect muscles and joints. Common symptoms of tendon and ligament tears are pain and swelling. You may also hear or feel a pop when you tear the tissue. Treatments can include a brace, medicine, or surgical repair.
Tears or ruptures to the tendons and ligaments can:
- Cause extreme pain.
- Happen at any time.
- Limit or prohibit proper joint function.
What are the symptoms of ligament injury?
Knee buckling, pain at the location of the torn ligament, swelling, and a feeling of instability in the joint are common symptoms of ligament injury. Patients who tear their ACL may even hear a pop at the time of the injury.
How are ligament injuries diagnosed?
Ligament injuries can be diagnosed through a physical examination of the knee and imaging tests such as X-rays (to rule out fractures), MRI scans and arthroscopy.
Types of ligament or tendon tears and ruptures
Tendon and ligament tears or ruptures are injuries to the soft tissues that connect muscles and joints. Common symptoms of tendon and ligament tears are pain and swelling. You may also hear or feel a pop when you tear the tissue. Treatments can include a brace, medicine, or surgical repair.
Tears or ruptures to the tendons and ligaments can:
- Cause extreme pain.
- Happen at any time.
- Limit or prohibit proper joint function.
Tendon tear causes and risk factors
The main cause of torn tendons and ligaments is traumatic injury, such as:
- A sudden impact to the joint
- Quickly stopping or starting
- An abrupt movement to the joint
Football and basketball players tend to be at a higher risk for ACL tears, but they can happen to anyone at any time.
Meniscus tears have two common causes — a traumatic injury to the knee or the process of degeneration. They often occur from twisting a bent knee joint.
At Amrita Medical Center, our staff is happy to answer any of your questions and help you decide if the right fit for you. We even offer same day appointments for your convenience. Contact us here!