Ligament Injuries

In general, advice for most ligament injuries remains the same: rest, ice, compression, and elevation (RICE). Over-the-counter anti-inflammatory drugs are also recommended to relieve pain and reduce swelling. However, surgery might become an option if the ligament injury is severe.

Surgical options

Severe ACL injuries rarely heal by themselves. In partial ACL tears, however, nonsurgical treatment is effective depending on the severity or grade of the sprained ligament. Minimally invasive arthroscopic surgery may be an option when dealing with hand and wrist ligament problems.

Dietary changes

Keeping a healthy body weight is key to avoiding injuries to the bones and ligaments. In addition, certain foods can help support and maintain these body structures. Including these vitamins and minerals in your diet can decrease your risk of injury to ligaments, tendons and increase muscle:

• Protein - Found in fish high in Omega-3, is essential for building muscle
• Calcium - Found in dairy products, green vegetables, yogurt, and other foods
• Vitamin D - Found in salmon, eggs, cod liver oil, sardines
• Vitamin K - Found in leafy green vegetables
• Magnesium - Found in nuts, seeds grains.
• Vitamin C - Found in red and green peppers and citrus fruits

Medication

• Over-the-counter anti-inflammatory medicines such as ibuprofen, naproxen, or acetaminophen can help relieve pain and swelling
• In cases of severe pain, corticosteroids, powerful anti-inflammatory drugs, are injected directly into the joint. These injections can provide long-lasting relief.

Nonsurgical options

In cases of grade 1 and grade 2 ligament injuries, doctors may use a combination of treatments, including supporting the area with a brace, physical therapy, heat therapy, and medication to avoid surgery.