Ligament Injuries: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment
Medically reviewed by Sumiran Racherla, MD, Internal Medicine. Last reviewed: October 23, 2026.
What kind of doctor treats Ligament Injuries?
An orthopedic surgeon (a doctor for bones, joints, and ligaments) or a sports medicine doctor often treats ligament injuries. A physiatrist (a rehabilitation doctor) or a physical therapist may help with recovery. Family doctors often treat milder injuries. A direct primary care or concierge doctor can be a first stop for an evaluation and can refer you to a specialist when needed.
What are ligament injuries?
Ligaments are strong, flexible fibers that hold bones together at a joint. A ligament injury is called a sprain. A sprain happens when a ligament is stretched too far or tears. Sprains range from a slightly stretched ligament (first degree) to a complete tear (third degree).
Ankles, knees, and wrists are the areas most vulnerable to sprains. Tears of the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) in the knee are especially common in athletes. Repeated throwing can tear the ulnar collateral ligament on the inner part of the elbow.
Symptoms
Signs of a ligament injury can include:
- Pain and swelling around the joint.
- Joint stiffness.
- Bruising or other skin color changes.
- Trouble moving the joint normally.
- Not being able to put weight on a leg, knee, ankle, or foot.
Causes and who gets it
Sprains happen when a joint is forced into an unnatural position. Twisting your ankle is one example. A fall or a blow that pushes a joint out of position can also cause one. A knee that is overextended or twisted can tear its ligaments.
Anyone can be hurt, but some things raise the risk:
- Not using the correct exercise technique.
- Overtraining, or raising your activity level too quickly.
- Running or jumping on hard surfaces.
- Wearing shoes without enough support or not wearing the proper equipment.
- Having had a prior injury, or having poor flexibility.
How doctors diagnose it
Your doctor will likely ask how the injury happened and what activities you do. Your doctor will also examine the injured area. You may need imaging tests, such as an x-ray or an MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) scan, to look at the bones and soft tissues.
Treatment
Stop the activity right away if a movement causes pain. Do not try to work through the pain. A minor injury can often be treated at home at first, using the R-I-C-E method.
- Rest: limit use of the injured area for at least a day or two.
- Ice: use an ice pack for 20 minutes at a time, four to eight times a day, wrapped in a towel.
- Compression: an elastic bandage can help reduce swelling, but do not wrap it so tightly that it cuts off circulation.
- Elevation: keep the injured joint raised above the level of your heart.
Do not use heat right after an injury, because it tends to increase swelling. Aspirin, ibuprofen, or other pain relievers can help, but do not give aspirin to children.
A serious injury may need a splint, brace, or cast to protect the joint. Surgery is needed in some cases to repair torn connective tissues. After healing, a physical therapist or physiatrist can plan exercises to rebuild strength and range of motion.
When to see a doctor
Go to the hospital right away or call 911 if you think you have a broken bone. Do the same if the joint looks out of position. Do the same for a serious injury or severe pain. Do the same if you hear a popping sound and cannot use the joint right away.
Contact your provider if swelling does not start to go away within 2 days. Also contact your provider if the pain does not go away after several weeks. Redness, warmth, or pain in the skin can be signs of infection, so contact your provider for those too.
How a direct primary care or concierge doctor fits in
A direct primary care doctor charges a flat monthly fee instead of billing insurance, while a concierge doctor usually charges more and often works alongside insurance. Either one can examine a new injury, order imaging, guide early care, and refer you to an orthopedic or sports medicine specialist.
Common questions
Is a sprain the same as a ligament injury?
Yes, a sprain is an injury to a ligament. It can be a small stretch or a partial or complete tear.
Do ligament injuries need surgery?
Not usually, though some do. Most musculoskeletal sports injuries do not need surgery. Surgery is used in some cases to repair torn connective tissues.
How long does a sprain take to heal?
It depends on how bad the sprain is. Most of the time, a mild sprain will heal in 7 to 10 days. A bad sprain may take several weeks for pain and swelling to go away.
Should I use ice or heat on a ligament injury?
Use ice first, not heat. Heat can be used later, but not before 72 hours after the injury, to relieve muscle tension.
Sources
- MedlinePlus - Sprains
- National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases - Sports Injuries: Types, Symptoms, and Risk Factors
- National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases - Sports Injuries: Diagnosis, Treatment, and Steps to Take
Medical Disclaimer
This content is for general educational and informational purposes only and is not medical advice. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment, and reading it does not create a doctor-patient relationship. Always seek the advice of your physician or another qualified health provider with any questions about a medical condition, and never disregard or delay seeking professional advice because of something you read here. If you think you may have a medical emergency, call 911 (or your local emergency number) immediately.
