Treatment of a ligament stretch
Therapeutic procedure after a ligament stretch
As with many physiotherapeutic treatment approaches, the first thing to consider is the stage of the injury.
In the following, the treatment after an ankle injury with damage to the capsular ligament apparatus (supination trauma) and ligament stretching is shown as an example.
- Acute phase / first aid
- Early functional treatment phase
- Coordination and proprioception training
Would you like more general information about ligament stretching? Read more about ligament stretching.
Acute phase / first aid
Immediately after twisting / stretching the ligament, pressure should be applied to the foot (compression) to prevent excessive swelling. The same applies to a torn ligament.
This should be done in the first few seconds if possible, preferably by applying pressure with both hands on the foot or the affected ankle. This pressure should be held for 2-5 minutes. This is followed by the further steps of first aid.
The so-called “PECH rule” describes a still widespread possibility of first aid after ligament stretching.
The right immediate measures based on a simple scheme (PECH scheme (Prof. Böhmer)) help to favorably influence the healing process and prevent further damage.
The first letters of the word PECH describe the central content of this initial treatment (Acute therapy):
P pause
E ice cream
C compression
H elevation
In the modern Sports physiotherapy this PECH rule is no longer considered to be unrestrictedly valid. Treatment with ice, whether with a cold pack or ice spray, should, according to new findings in sports physiology, in first aid should be avoided if possible.
The sub-zero temperatures that occur when using ice can have negative effects on the lymphatic system, which, among other things, is responsible for reducing swelling after injuries.
It is therefore advisable to choose a milder form of cooling in the initial treatment that does the job of the Lymphatic system not affected.
To relieve the pain that occurs, it is quite sufficient to run cold tap water over the injured area.
If the swelling lasts a long time, the can be used manual lymphatic drainage on. With this particular one Massage form the lymphatic system is stimulated and the fluid breakdown in the affected area accelerated.
Manual lymph drainage can be prescribed by a doctor and is carried out by specially trained physiotherapists and masseurs.
Appointment with ?
I would be happy to advise you!
Who am I?
My name is dr. Nicolas Gumpert. I am a specialist in orthopedics and the founder of .
Various television programs and print media report regularly about my work. On HR television you can see me every 6 weeks live on "Hallo Hessen".
But now enough is indicated ;-)
Athletes (joggers, soccer players, etc.) are particularly often affected by diseases of the foot. In some cases, the cause of the foot discomfort cannot be identified at first.
Therefore, the treatment of the foot (e.g. Achilles tendonitis, heel spurs, etc.) requires a lot of experience.
I focus on a wide variety of foot diseases.
The aim of every treatment is treatment without surgery with a complete recovery of performance.
Which therapy achieves the best results in the long term can only be determined after looking at all of the information (Examination, X-ray, ultrasound, MRI, etc.) be assessed.
You can find me in:
- Lumedis - your orthopedic surgeon
Kaiserstrasse 14
60311 Frankfurt am Main
Directly to the online appointment arrangement
Unfortunately, it is currently only possible to make an appointment with private health insurers. I hope for your understanding!
Further information about myself can be found at Dr. Nicolas Gumpert
Practical tip
Good results in terms of reducing a swollen ankle joint can be achieved with quark packs, possibly in combination with the external (!) Use of an ASPIRIN® tablet.
This involves crushing an ASPIRIN® tablet, placing it on the injured ankle and spreading quark as thick as a finger over it. The whole thing is then wrapped in cling film and left on the foot overnight if possible. The quark can be washed off the next morning.
