Ligament Tear in Knee Home Remedy for Injury Treatment
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Medically Reviewed by Dr. Aman Priya Khanna
Written by Rajath R Prabhu, last updated on 12 October 2023
Table of Contents
- Types of Knee Ligaments
- Causes of a Ligament Tear in the Knee
- Signs and Symptoms of Ligament Tear in the Knee
- Role of Home Remedies on a Ligament Tear
- Benefits of Home Remedies on a Ligament Tear
- Effective Home Remedies for a Ligament Tear in the Knee
- Other Lifestyle Changes
- Takeaway
- Frequently Asked Questions
- References
A ligament tear in the knee is commonly encountered in trauma caused due to road traffic accidents or while playing a sport. Footballers are significantly more prone to developing ligament tears in the knee. Torn ligaments can be very painful and can result in bruising and swelling of the knee. It severely restricts knee movement resulting in an inability to turn, pivot, or twist the leg.
This blog will discuss how to heal ligament tears in the knee with home remedies. But before that, let’s look at the types of knee ligaments and causes of ligament tears in the knee.
Types of Knee Ligaments
There are four primary ligaments in the knee, and all four ligaments are different in terms of their functions and locations. These include:
- A posterior cruciate ligament (PCL): Located in the back of the knee and controls the backward movement of the shin bone.
- An anterior cruciate ligament (ACL): Located in the middle, this ligament is responsible for the rotation and forward motion of the shin bone.
- Lateral collateral ligament (LCL): The ligament that keeps the outer knee stable.
- Medial collateral ligament (MCL): This ligament gives stability to the inner knee.
Causes of a Ligament Tear in the Knee
The below-mentioned causes are most commonly responsible for causing ligament tears in the knee:
- Among the collateral ligaments, the medial collateral ligament gets injured more frequently. External blow to the knee, common in sports such as hockey or football, leads to a medial collateral ligament tear in the knee.
- The anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) is the most common knee ligament to get injured. These ligaments can get torn or sprained due to the twisting motion in the knee. The risk for injury is high in sports such as basketball, football, etc.
- The posterior cruciate ligament gets injured because of a direct blow, for example, in an accident or tackling in a sport.
Signs and Symptoms of Ligament Tear in the Knee
Ligaments can be partially or completely torn. The following signs and symptoms will help diagnose ligament tears in the knee:
- Swelling and pain around the knee area that persists for more than 72 hours.
- Loss of full range of motion.
- Not being able to move or walk properly.
- Sudden crackling or popping sound from the knee.
- The appearance of scars or bruises externally.
Role of Home Remedies on a Ligament Tear
- Home remedies stimulate the body's natural healing responses.
- They also work by suppressing inflammation and thus pain caused due to ligament tears. For example, turmeric helps in the healing of the ligament as well as relieves pain.
- These home remedies also work by improving blood circulation and decreasing the mobility of the affected part, thus promoting faster healing.
Benefits of Home Remedies on a Ligament Tear
There are several benefits of home remedies for ligament tears. These are as follows:
- Easy to use
- Effective
- Affordable and cheap
- Good results
- Minimal or no side effects
- Minimal or no risk of developing complications that might arise due to medications and complex surgeries
Effective Home Remedies for a Ligament Tear in the Knee
For slight or moderate pain or injury, one can manage ligament tears in the knee with home remedies. This is an excellent option for those apprehensive about undergoing surgery. Some effective ligament tear-in-knee home remedies are:
- Turmeric with Milk: Commonly known as ‘Haldi doodh’ in India, is a popular knee ligament tear treatment option. Turmeric contains anti-inflammatory effects and has traditionally been used to treat various ailments. Curcumin in turmeric shows healing properties for ruptured ligaments and tendons.
When consumed with milk, the person also gets additional protein which can help build new tissues and faster healing. Thus, it is an effective option for treating ligament tears in the knee by home remedy food. - Horsetail Herb: This remedy helps heal damaged connective tissues. One can consume 30 drops of horsetail extract in warm water thrice a day for a month.
- Ice Pack: These are super effective in healing injured or torn ligaments. It reduces swelling by reducing the blood flow to the site of injury. Press the ice pack on the injury site for 15-20 minutes repeatedly throughout the day. Keep doing this for a minimum of a week or two.
- Vitamin C: vitamin C is responsible for forming collagen. Connective tissues are made up of collagen. Hence, consuming some lemons, tomatoes, broccoli, etc., can be great for healing ligament tears in the knee with home remedy food.
- Physical Therapy: Consider getting frequent physical therapy or massages once the pain and swelling have reduced. Physical therapy supplies blood to the injury site and promotes muscle healing. This helps in the treatment of knee ligament injuries.
- Elevate the knee: Raise the knee using a pillow while sitting or lying down. This helps relieve the swelling that is commonly associated with ligament test injuries. Elevating the knee above the heart level increases the blood flow from the legs back to the heart. This results in low blood volume in the legs leading to decreased swelling.
- Compression therapy: Elastic bandages, straps or sleeves can be used to compress the knees. It's again mainly done to control knee swelling. Compression therapy , reduces the blood flow thus limiting swelling.
- Knee brace: A knee brace's function stabilises the knee and prevents further injuries. Knee braces provide support as well as restrict movements of the injured knee. This helps in faster healing of torn ligaments.
Other Lifestyle Changes
Some other lifestyle changes to keep in mind while having a ligament tear:
- Avoid physical exertion. Strictly avoid lifting heavy weights or putting excessive pressure on the knee.
- Use crutches for a while to minimise pressure on the affected knee.
- Consume more collagen-rich food such as bone broth, organ meats, sardines, berries, broccoli, etc. These will help promote the healing of the ligament which is mainly composed of collagen.
- Raise the legs while sleeping to minimise the risk of swelling.
- Provide the body with adequate rest. This ensures that the injured part has time to recover and that further injuries can be avoided. So taking rest till one can start to feel better is essential.
Takeaway
A knee ligament tear is a painful condition that can restrict you from performing your daily activities. However, there are many home remedies that you can undertake for your knee ligament tear treatment. These home remedies have minimal side effects and can help treat ligament injury effectively.
However, it’s best to consult a medical professional for serious injuries. At HexaHealth, we have a range of qualified and experienced experts for your medical problems. Reach out to us to fix an appointment.
However, it’s best to consult a medical professional for serious injuries. At HexaHealth, we have a range of qualified and experienced experts for your medical problems. Reach out to us to fix an appointment.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do you heal a torn knee ligament naturally?
The methods for natural knee ligament tear treatment are as follows:
- Applying ice packs frequently reduces inflammation and pain.
- Bed rest is recommended to avoid exerting any extra pressure on the knee.
- Keep the area compressed by tying a bandage around it.
- Maintain the knee in an elevated position.
Download AppCan ligament tears heal naturally?
Yes, ligaments may mend on their own; but it may take a long time. Nevertheless, seeking medical attention is advised to avoid significant complications such as bruising and excruciating pain.
What helps ligaments heal faster?
Some common methods of healing ligaments faster are applying an ice pack and taking sufficient rest. Consuming medications is an option but should be done only with medical advice to avoid any risks or complications. Tying the affected area with a bandage reduces swelling and inflammation.
Is walking good for torn knee ligaments?
No. Walking on a ruptured ligament can induce more knee injury, such as rips in the cartilage and thus may exacerbate the knee ligament injury.
What foods help repair ligaments?
Foods that are rich in vitamin C and copper help repair ligaments. Along with amino acids, vitamin C helps in collagen building. Citrus fruits such as lemons and oranges are a great source of vitamin C. Copper promotes ligament healing. Dried fruits and leafy vegetables are the best copper sources.
Which oil is best for ligament repair?
Lemongrass oil is a great option for ligament repair. Its anti-inflammatory properties[5] help to control swelling and boost collagen regeneration.
Is heat good for ligaments?
Applying heat might be a wise idea as it increases the flow of blood and oxygen to the area. However, one should avoid heat application for the first 72 hours since it may cause more swelling and inflammation.
How can I speed up knee ligament healing?
You can speed up healing by following these knee ligament injury treatment tips:
- Physical therapy at least once a day boosts joint and ligament strength.
- Frequently apply ice packs to numb the pain and minimise swelling.
- Light stretching is okay once the pain subsides.
What vitamins help repair ligaments?
Vitamin C is largely responsible for helping the body with collagen production. Various citrus fruits, yellow and red bell papers, etc., have vitamin C. Vitamin D is equally important since it helps absorb calcium in the body and is found in milk, almonds, sardines, etc.
Can you bend your knee with a torn ligament?
Yes, you can bend with a limited range of motion. Yet, it’s recommended not to bend much as it can cause strain and slow down knee ligament tear treatment and healing.
Can I walk with ligament damage?
It will be painful to walk initially with ligament damage. Once the pain and swelling subside, you can begin walking slowly. Getting crutches or a cast is a good support option while walking.
How long does it take to recover from a knee ligament injury?
If the injury is not serious, the recovery is usually complete within 2 to 4 weeks. For moderate injuries, it can last up to a few months. Time is longer if the ligament tear in knee treatment is made by home remedy. Surgery can extend the recovery duration even more.
Can torn knee ligaments heal without surgery?
Yes, torn knee ligaments can heal without surgery. This is especially true for minor tears in the ligament. Initially, one can start healing the ligament tear in the knee by home remedy. Healing takes anywhere between four to six weeks.
What will happen if ligaments are torn?
Ligaments are mainly responsible for connecting bones and joints and holding them in their place. Torn ligaments fail to do this task, and as a result, the bones may get unfixed.
What are the symptoms of a torn ligament in your knee?
Some of the common symptoms of a torn ligament are:
- Swelling and pain in and around the knee.
- A grinding or popping sound.
- Difficulty in walking; reduced mobility.
Do ligaments heal on their own?
Yes, ligaments can heal on their own. However, it is recommended to get medical help to prevent serious issues such as scarring and extreme pain. One can opt for healing ligament tears in the knee through home remedies.
Is a torn ligament serious?
Yes, a torn ligament is a matter of serious concern. If left untreated, it will cause pain and inflammation, obstructing normal walking. Treatment must be done only by a medical professional.
Updated on : 12 October 2023
Reviewer
Dr. Aman Priya Khanna
MBBS, DNB General Surgery, Fellowship in Minimal Access Surgery, FIAGES
12 Years Experience
Dr Aman Priya Khanna is a well-known General Surgeon, Proctologist and Bariatric Surgeon currently associated with HealthFort Clinic, Health First Multispecialty Clinic in Delhi. He has 12 years of experience in General Surgery and worke...View More
Author
Rajath R Prabhu
MSc. Clinical Research I PG Diploma in Public Health Services Management
3 Years Experience
His work in medical content writing and proofreading is noteworthy. He has also contributed immensely to public health research and has authored four scientific manuscripts in international journals. He was assoc...View More
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