Joints and ligaments
Sports injuries often result in injuries to the joint capsule and the ligamentous apparatus surrounding the joint. Ligaments can be overstretched, torn or completely ruptured. If the injury mechanism is severe (large forces acting on the ligaments) and/or there is a significant restriction of movement, assessment and treatment must be carried out by a doctor.
Sprain
This is the mildest form of joint injury. The joint is moved beyond the normal range of motion without dislocation occurring. The joint capsule is usually affected, the ligaments are overstretched but not torn. This results in pain, swelling and functional impairment. Treatment can be carried out according to the PECH rule (rest, ice, compression, elevation). In the first few days, anti-inflammatory and cooling preparations such as ointments or plasters help with treatment. The doctor should only be consulted if the symptoms do not subside after a few days. After a few days (if pain-free), sport can be resumed, whereby the load is carefully increased.Partial tear of a ligament
The joint is moved beyond the normal range of motion, but is not dislocated. The joint capsule is injured, the ligaments are overstretched and torn. In addition to pain and swelling, bruising occurs and the functionality of the joint is limited. The PECH rule is used for treatment (rest, ice, compression, elevation), and the injury is treated with anti-inflammatory preparations and ointments for the first two days. In the days following the injury, a medical check-up serves to clarify the extent of the injury in order to initiate further measures if necessary. Depending on the findings of the medical diagnosis, it may be necessary to refrain from sport (in the longer term)Torn ligaments
The normal range of motion of a joint has been exceeded, resulting in a temporary near-dislocation of the joint (subluxation). After the event, the joint-forming bones are back in place and the joint-forming surfaces are in contact with each other, but the joint capsule and the affected ligaments are torn. The consequences are pain, severe swelling, significant haematoma and a considerable reduction in functionality. Because the joint is no longer held in place by ligaments, there may be a feeling of instability. In severe cases, the ligament not only tears, but is torn out of the bone. The PECH rule (rest, ice, compression, elevation) is used as an immediate measure, but a doctor must be consulted on the same day. Painkillers make the injury more bearable. Due to the instability, a ban on sport is usually mandatory. The healing process can take very different lengths of time (several weeks to months as a result of surgery).Dislocation (luxation)
The most serious injury to a joint is dislocation. In this case, the joint is moved massively beyond its normal range of motion, resulting in dislocation and the joint surfaces remaining separated from each other. The joint capsule is always injured and the ligamentous apparatus is at least partially torn. Severe pain, swelling, joint malalignment and the associated loss of joint function are the consequences. Painkillers, immobilisation and fixation are essential for treatment. This injury is a medical emergency that requires immediate medical treatment. The aim is for the joint to be quickly repositioned (reset) by a doctor, as the joint misalignment could also indicate a bone fracture. The length of the recovery period varies greatly depending on the part of the body and the severity of the injury.