Medical Services

A ligament tear occurs when the strong, elastic bands joining bones at a joint are overstretched or ruptured, reducing joint stability and function. Tears commonly affect the knee (ACL, MCL), ankle, shoulder, or wrist, especially during sports, falls, or sudden twisting motions. Doctors classify these injuries into grades: mild stretch or microscopic tear (Grade 1), partial tear (Grade 2), and complete rupture (Grade 3), with increasing pain, swelling, and loss of strength.

Typical signs include sharp pain at the time of injury, often with a “popping” sound, followed by swelling, bruising, tenderness, and difficulty moving or bearing weight on the joint. The affected area may feel loose or “give way,” particularly during walking or pivoting, indicating significant instability. Immediate care usually follows the RICE protocol—rest, ice, compression, and elevation—plus analgesics and sometimes a brace or splint to limit motion.

For mild to moderate tears, conservative management with physiotherapy helps restore range of motion, strength, and proprioception. Severe or high-grade tears, especially in athletes or active individuals, may require surgical repair or reconstruction to regain joint stability and prevent future damage