Located in Beaverton and Lake Oswego, OR - Call us: 503-850-9950
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Torn Ligaments services offered in Beaverton and Lake Oswego, OR
There are about 17 million ligament injuries requiring medical treatment each year in the United States, costing more than 40 billion dollars. At Go To Ortho, with locations in Beaverton and Lake Oswego, Oregon, board-certified orthopedic surgeons Steven Madey, MD, Amer Mirza, MD, and the rest of the team treat torn ligaments and similar injuries to place you on the road to recovery quickly. Schedule an appointment by phone, request one online, or simply walk into the office today.
What are torn ligaments?
Torn ligaments and tendons are common, accounting for about half of all musculoskeletal injuries. Your ligaments are stretchy, tough, dense, fibrous tissue bands connecting two or more bones within a joint. They lengthen during tension, limiting movement and supporting your shoulders, elbows, knees, ankles, and other joints.
Ligament tears occur when a joint becomes twisted or overstretched. Such tears are total or incomplete tears, depending on the severity.
Commonly injured ligaments include those in your ankles, knees (anterior cruciate ligament or posterior cruciate ligament), wrist, and shoulder (glenoid labrum tear).
What are the symptoms of torn ligaments?
Torn ligaments can cause the following symptoms:
- Bruising
- Swelling or pain that doesn’t disappear within 24-72 hours
- Popping, crackling, or snapping sounds during the injury
- Limited ability to move the affected joint
- Worsening symptoms
- Inability to bear weight on the affected joint
Incomplete tears often feel like severe strains, while total tears are often as painful as fractures.
What are the risk factors for torn ligaments?
Common causes of torn ligaments include playing sports, wear-and-tear, work-related injuries, and other accidents. These injuries may occur because of joint twisting or a direct impact on the affected area. For example, a car accident, fall, or playing football can cause ligament damage. Repetitive shoulder motions, such as throwing a ball or lifting weights, are risk factors, too.
How does my provider diagnose torn ligaments?
Torn ligaments are diagnosed by discussing your symptoms, your medical history, and how the injury occurred. Your Go To Ortho specialist also completes a physical exam and may ask you to move into various positions to evaluate musculoskeletal function.
They might order an MRI, ultrasound, X-rays, or other on-site imaging procedures to confirm torn ligaments or similar injuries.
How are torn ligaments treated?
Treating a torn ligament at Go To Ortho may involve one or more of the following:
- Resting the affected joint
- Ice
- Bracing
- Casting
- Bandaging
- Elevation
- Crutches
- Over-the-counter medicines
- Prescription medications
- Injections
- Physical therapy
- Surgery
Surgery may be needed for a full recovery after a severe ligament injury. Your surgeon removes a damaged ligament and replaces it with healthy tissues. The goal is to accelerate healing and minimize any discomfort to maximize your recovery.
Recovery time varies based on the severity of your injury. It might take six weeks or longer to make a full recovery. The more severe the tear, the longer your recovery lasts.
Schedule a torn ligaments evaluation at Go To Ortho by calling the office or requesting a visit online today. Walk-ins are also welcome.