Healing times for ligament tears are all over the place depending on the severity of the injury and the ligament. Mild tears heal in weeks, severe tears heal in months and may need surgery.
So how long do ligament tears take to heal?
For this reason, I’m here to guide you through the symptoms, factors affecting healing time, types of ligament tears, and what to expect during recovery.
Key Takeaways
- Ligament tears are painful and limit movement, caused by sudden twists or stress.
- Healing time depends on severity of injury, age and type of treatment, some take weeks, others months.
- Proper treatment is RICE for minor injuries, physical therapy for rehabilitation and surgery for severe tears, prevention is key to avoiding injuries in the first place.
What are Ligament Tears ?
Our bodies have ligaments, the strong yet flexible connective tissues that hold our bones together and allow us to move. When these structures are stretched or strained beyond their normal range of motion it can cause a ligament tear which is very painful and limits movement.
Ligament injuries usually occur from sudden twisting movements or impact from falls that puts too much stress on them.
The distinct “popping” sound when you do an abrupt movement is often a sign of a ligament damage. In some cases this is accompanied by a loud snapping sound which means an injury has occurred.
Symptoms of Ligament Injuries
Those who have this injury usually report sharp pain, swelling and discoloration around the affected area. Applying weight to the joint where the ligament is injured will make the pain worse, means the damage is severe.
Additional symptoms are:
- Sensitivity around the affected area
- Feeling of giving way or laxity in the joint
- Limited movement or flexibility
Don’t ignore these signs as it can worsen the condition and extend recovery time.
Factors that Affect Healing Time
Healing time for ligament injuries depends on several factors. Top of the list is the severity of the injury. More severe tears take longer to heal.
We previously mentioned several of these.
- Age: Younger people heal faster
- Overall health: Underlying medical conditions will slow down the healing process
- Type of treatment: Proper and effective treatment can speed up the healing process
Types of Ligament Tears and Healing Time
Different types of ligament tears have different healing times. Knowing what you have will help you plan better. Here I will answer this question “How Long Do Ligament Tears Take to Heal “
Here are the common ligament tears and their healing times.
1. Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL) Tears
The ACL or anterior cruciate ligament is responsible for stabilizing the knee and can be injured during high impact activities.
Injuries to this ligament is classified from one to three. Grade one is a slight stretch and grade three is a complete tear of the ligament. Healing time varies greatly, from weeks for minor sprain to months for severe tears that requires surgery.
2. Medial Collateral Ligament (MCL) Tears
The medial collateral ligament or MCL is another knee ligament. Symptoms of MCL tears are pain on the inner side of the knee, swelling and limited movement.
Healing time is from weeks to several months depending on the severity of knee ligament injuries.
Non surgical treatment like physical therapy and bracing are often effective.
3. Posterior Cruciate Ligament (PCL) Tears
The posterior cruciate ligament (PCL) stabilizes the knee joint and can be injured during high impact activities and causes knee injury.
Symptoms are knee pain, swelling and instability. Healing time is partial tears weeks and complete tears several months.
Treatment is physical therapy and in severe cases surgery.
4. Lateral Collateral Ligament (LCL) Tears
The lateral collateral ligament (LCL) is responsible for joint stability. Healing from a LCL tear takes around 6-8 weeks.
This can be longer if the injury is severe and requires surgical repair. The extent of the injury and need for surgery are factors that will prolong the recovery time.
Treatment for Ligament Tears
Management of ligament injuries include non-operative and operative treatment and physical therapy. Treatment depends on the severity of the injury and the patient’s health.
Let’s break down each treatment.
Non-Surgical Treatments
Non surgical treatment is the first line of defense. The RICE method rest, ice, compression, and elevation can reduce pain and swelling after injury. Bracing is also used to stabilize the joint and prevent further injury.
Surgical Treatments
If conservative treatment doesn’t work, surgery may be needed. Often these surgical interventions use arthroscopic technique that can repair with minimal incision.
For severe ligament injuries that doesn’t respond to other treatments, surgeons will advise to undergo a procedure.
Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation
Recovery is aided by physical therapy which is important to regain strength and movement. Rehabilitation program will include activities such as body squats and leg lifts to strengthen the muscles around the knee joint.
Ultrasound and electrical stimulation may be used to aid in recovery.
Tips to Recover Faster
Healing from a ligament injury takes time and discipline but with some tips you can speed up your recovery.
Because of this, incorporate mild stretching in your daily routine to reduce the discomfort and aid in the healing process.
To recover faster:
- Use the RICE method as first line of treatment for initial discomfort and swelling.
- Drink plenty of water and follow a healthy diet.
- Follow your physical therapy program strictly.
Read More: Can a Rotator Cuff Tear Heal on Its Own? Advice from Orthopedics
When to see Orthopedic Specialists
For severe ligament tears that need complex management or surgical intervention, orthopedic specialists are needed.
For full tear of a ligament or grade 3 injury, it’s usually necessary to see orthopedic doctors for orthopedic injuries.
Sounds good, right?
Preventing Ligament Injuries: 10 Special ways
It’s always better to prevent than to treat. To avoid ligament injuries, follow proper technique and conditioning especially in high risk activities.
Athletes in contact sports or sports that involve sudden movements are more prone to ligament damage. Getting enough rest and acknowledging your limits while exercising can reduce the risk of getting injured.
Here are 10 ligament tear prevention tips in list form:
- Warm-Up Properly
- Strengthen Supporting Muscles
- Improve Flexibility
- Learn the correct form for sports, exercises, and everyday activities to avoid unnecessary stress on ligaments.
- Use Protective Gear
- Stop immediately if you feel pain or discomfort during physical activity to prevent worsening of minor injuries.
- Maintain a Healthy Weight
- Avoid Overtraining
- Proper hydration keeps joints lubricated and reduces the risk of injury.
- Invest in Balance Training
Wrap Up
With all of this in mind, Ligament tears can be a real pain, can’t they? The healing time can range from a few weeks to several months depending on the severity of the injury. For mild tears or sprains, the recovery time is usually 4 to 6 weeks with proper care, such as rest, ice, compression, and elevation (RICE). Moderate tears can take up to 3 months to heal. Severe ligament tears are more serious and may require surgery, with a recovery time of 6 months or more.
After all, rushing the recovery process can cause further damage, and we don’t want that. Of note, always consult a doctor for personalized advice and treatment tailored just for you.
