Ligaments are bands of connective tissues that connect a bone to another and they are present in every joint in the body. The elasticity of the ligaments helps in maintaining the range of motion of a joint. Ligaments also stabilize any joint in the body.
These are bands of collagen fiber which is a type of protein found in all connective tissues including the skin. Collagen helps the ligament stretch and return to normal position.
When a ligament is damaged, it becomes sore and painful. A ligament sprain is an injury which results to pain and soreness of the affected joint. It can also be caused by sudden stretching of the joint and affects regular daily activities due to pain and limited movement of the joint.
Causes
- Spraining a joint which affects the elbows, ankles and the knees
- Sudden twisting and turning of the joint can damage the ligament
- Overuse of the joint can make the ligament sore.
Pain in the joint that becomes worse during movement - Sudden increase in intensity while playing sports can damage the fibers of the ligaments.
- Severe injury to the ligament can cause tearing of the ligament which is common among individuals playing sports such as soccer, football, baseball and other contact sports.
- Lack of physical activity or a sedentary lifestyle can result to soreness of the ligaments particularly those who have arthritis.
Symptoms
- Swelling of the affected joint
- Shaky sensation of the affected joint
- Pain in the joint that becomes worse during movement
- Weakness of the joint
- There is difficulty in walking caused by soreness
- Reduced flexibility of the joint
Treatment of sore ligaments
- Allow the affected joint to rest for at least a few days. Resting helps promote fast healing of the condition. Avoid performing activities that can lead to sore ligaments.
- Apply an ice pack on the affected joint to reduce the inflammation and swelling. Place ice cubes in a bag and place over the affected area for at least 10 minutes at several times during the initial few days. Avoid applying the ice pack directly on the skin to avoid frostbite.
- Apply a compression bandage to lessen the soreness and swelling of the affected area.
- If soreness of the ligaments affects an extremity, elevate the affected muscles, ligaments or joints above the level of the heart while at rest. Use couple of pillows to prop up the affected area of the body.
- Take the prescribed over-the-counter pain medications to lessen the pain and inflammation.
- Encourage the individual to drink plenty of fluids
- Perform light stretches to relieve the soreness of the ligaments, joints and muscles.
- Massage the area by making a circular motion using the palm of the hand around the affected area. This can help in relieve the soreness and prevent the ligaments, joints and muscles from becoming stiff.
If soreness of the affected area still persists, there is a need to seek medical help as soon as possible.
FACT CHECK
https://www.webmd.com/fitness-exercise/understanding-sprains-strains#1
https://physioworks.com.au/treatments-1/what-to-do-after-a-muscle-strain-or-ligament-sprain
https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/14526-musculoskeletal-pain