Healing after ligament injury

Ankle ligament injuries are very common, and not just among professional athletes. The injury can range from a slight overstretch to serious injuries to the capsule-ligament apparatus.

Torn ligaments are particularly feared by athletes because they usually require a longer period of rest. "A quick assessment using a clinical examination and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) directly at our clinic gives us clarity about the extent of the injury on the same day and allows us to discuss treatment options with the patient," explains Dr. Alexej Skackov, specialist in trauma surgery and deputy medical director of Sportclinic Zillertal. Sometimes surgery is unavoidable. This involves fixing the injured ligament using special screws, for example, or reconstructing it using plastic cords or the patient's own tissue, thus stabilizing the joint as a whole.

"If surgery is necessary, we can perform it very promptly and, wherever possible, minimally invasively. This leads to excellent chances of recovery and faster rehabilitation," explains Dr. Skackov. In close coordination with the physiotherapist, the further course of treatment is then planned and the interdisciplinary collaboration between the doctor, physiotherapist and movement therapist enables a rapid return to a pain-free and swelling-free state. Kinesio tape can, for example, improve the quality of joint movement, activate the metabolism, relieve muscle tension, relieve pain and also activate and improve the lymphatic system.