Non-surgical treatments
Many sufferers are tempted to immobilise themselves by staying in bed. Whilst this may have been the treatment of choice many years ago, experts today realise that this actually delays healing. It is therefore recommended that patients try and carry on as normally as possible with their everyday lives, whilst being careful not to over exert or move excessively.
It is essential that the source of your pain is first diagnosed by a medical practitioner to ensure that the correct diagnosis is made and suitable treatment protocol followed. If the injury is acute, it may be too sore to examine thoroughly. In this case, your doctor may apply a local anaesthetic or put the damaged joint in a splint to re-examine after 8-10 days. As ligaments do not show up on X-rays, an X-ray will only be required to rule out the possibility of any injury to the bone.
The following non-surgical treatment options may be recommended if the damage to your ligament is not too severe:
RICE
During the first 24 hours after injury RICE is often helpful to manage a mild to moderate soft tissue injury at home. RICE being - Rest, Ice, Compress and Elevation. Resting a painful knee or ankle and applying an ice pack for around 15 minutes, several times a day, helps to reduce swelling and numbs sensitive nerve endings. Compression applied with an elastic bandage and elevating the painful joint several inches with pillows helps to drain away fluids. Activity modification or low-impact physical therapy can also help the functioning of the joint through increasing its strength and range of motion. Secondary benefits include a raised sense of physical wellbeing through improved flexibility, heart rate and blood flow. There are certain things you should not do in the first three days after your injury to avoid doing further damage – these can be summarised under ‘HARM’ – Heat (including avoiding hot baths), Alcohol, Running and Massage. Your physiotherapist may also recommend the use of crutches or a brace to make sure that you keep weight off the affected area.
Medication
Painkillers and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) may provide some relief. Drugs such as ibuprofen, available over the counter, can help reduce inflammation and swelling whilst other, stronger NSAIDs may be prescribed by your doctor. Medications though may only provide temporary relief as they do not prevent further damage to the joint. Always read the patient information that comes with your medicine and if you have questions, ask your pharmacist or doctor for advice.
Physiotherapy
If your injury is more severe or complex, your GP may refer you to a physiotherapist. He or she will develop a programme of rehabilitation exercises to gradually strengthen the joint and stretch your muscles. These exercises will vary depending on the kind of injury you have and how severe it is. They may also recommend proprioceptive retraining. Proprioception refers to the body's sensory system that tells your brain where your joints/limbs are in space – standing on a wobble board is often used to retrain or increase proprioception abilities following ankle injury.
Injection therapy
Injection therapy involves the use of a needle and syringe to inject anaesthetic or medication into the damaged joint, soft tissues or other areas to relieve pain. It is typically used only when less invasive forms of treatment fail to relieve symptoms.
Important: The information and guidance provided here is general in nature and should not be considered as medical advice in any way. You should always seek detailed advice from a qualified medical practitioner.
