Ligament injuries are among the most common sports injuries and can range from mild sprains to complete tears. Here are some of the most frequently injured ligaments in athletes:
Location: Inside the knee joint, connecting the femur (thigh bone) to the tibia (shin bone).
Common Causes: Sudden stops, pivots, or awkward landings during sports like soccer, basketball, and skiing.
Symptoms: A popping sound at the time of injury, severe pain, swelling, and instability of the knee.
Management: Depending on the severity, treatment ranges from physical therapy and bracing to surgical reconstruction.
Location: Inside of the knee, running along the inner edge of the joint.
Common Causes: Direct impact to the outside of the knee, commonly seen in contact sports such as football or hockey.
Symptoms: Pain, swelling, and tenderness along the inner side of the knee, with a feeling of instability.
Management: Most MCL injuries heal with rest, ice, compression, and physical therapy, but severe cases may require surgery.
Location: Around the ankle, including the anterior talofibular ligament (ATFL) and calcaneofibular ligament (CFL).
Common Causes: Ankle sprains from twisting or rolling the foot, common in sports like basketball, tennis, and running.
Symptoms: Pain, swelling, bruising, and difficulty bearing weight on the affected ankle.
Management: Rest, ice, compression, elevation (RICE), physical therapy, and in severe cases, surgical repair.
Location: Inside of the elbow, connecting the humerus to the ulna.
Common Causes: Overuse injuries from repetitive throwing motions, common in baseball pitchers and javelin throwers.
Symptoms: Pain on the inside of the elbow, swelling, and decreased ability to throw or grip.
Management: Initial treatment includes rest, bracing, and physical therapy; surgical reconstruction, known as Tommy John surgery, may be needed for complete tears.