Healing Time for Ligament Injuries: Home Remedies and Recovery Tips

The ligament is injured?

Symptoms: Hello Doctor, I have injured the ligaments in my lower right back extending to the upper right side of my buttocks.
I feel discomfort when I lie down and try to turn over, and when walking, I feel tightness in the upper right side of my buttocks (not sure if it's the biceps).
Duration: It has been about a month, and I have been receiving acupuncture treatment from a traditional Chinese medicine practitioner, but I am still not better.
Doctor, how long does it typically take for a ligament injury to heal? What treatments can I do at home, such as heat therapy or stretching exercises, that might help? If I apply heat for a fixed period, will the injured area heal on its own? If I do stretching exercises, like lying on the bed and lifting my entire right leg upwards, is that beneficial? Additional information: I have a habit of running.
Can I run now? I am very concerned that I might re-injure myself with any physical activity.
I appreciate your response, thank you.

VIC, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2012/05/18

Dr. He Yujun reply Traditional Chinese Medicine

Pain in the lower right back extending to the upper right buttock, accompanied by discomfort when turning, is primarily caused by tightness and strain in the back muscle groups.
After the acute phase, applying heat to the affected area can be beneficial.
Rehabilitation exercises should include movements similar to sit-ups, but without raising the head high enough to touch the knees; instead, the head should be slightly lifted with arms extended as if trying to touch the knees.
This can strengthen the abdominal muscles and relieve tension in the lower back muscles.
It is advisable to temporarily avoid vigorous activities like running until recovery is achieved to prevent re-injury.
If there is no improvement after six or more sessions of acupuncture, it may be necessary to consider the possibility of small joint misalignment and seek diagnosis and treatment from a qualified physician, rather than consulting non-medical professionals for chiropractic manipulation.

Reply Date: 2012/05/18

More Info

Healing from ligament injuries can be a complex process, and the timeline for recovery can vary significantly based on the severity of the injury, the specific ligament involved, and the treatment approach taken. Generally, mild ligament strains may heal within a few weeks, while more severe injuries can take several months to heal completely.
In your case, it sounds like you are experiencing discomfort in your lower back and upper right buttock area, which could indicate a strain or injury to the ligaments in that region. Since you have been dealing with this issue for about a month and have not seen significant improvement despite acupuncture treatment, it may be beneficial to consider a more comprehensive approach to your recovery.

Home Remedies and Recovery Tips
1. Rest and Activity Modification: It’s crucial to allow your body time to heal. While complete immobilization is not necessary, you should avoid activities that exacerbate your pain. If walking or certain movements cause discomfort, consider modifying your activities to reduce strain on the injured area.

2. Ice and Heat Therapy: In the initial stages of a ligament injury, applying ice can help reduce swelling and numb the pain. Ice should be applied for 15-20 minutes every few hours during the first 48 hours post-injury. After the initial swelling has gone down, heat therapy can be beneficial to promote blood flow and relax the muscles around the injured ligament. Heat can be applied using a heating pad or warm towel for 15-20 minutes.

3. Gentle Stretching and Strengthening Exercises: Once the acute pain subsides, gentle stretching can help maintain flexibility and prevent stiffness. However, it’s essential to listen to your body and avoid any movements that cause pain. Exercises like lying on your back and gently raising your leg can help strengthen the muscles around the injured area, but these should be done cautiously. Consulting with a physical therapist for a tailored exercise program can be very beneficial.

4. Pain Management: Over-the-counter pain relievers such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen can help manage pain and reduce inflammation. Always follow the recommended dosage and consult with a healthcare provider if you have any concerns.

5. Gradual Return to Activity: As you begin to feel better, gradually reintroduce activities. Start with low-impact exercises, such as walking or swimming, before returning to running. It’s crucial to pay attention to your body’s signals; if you experience pain, it’s a sign to slow down.

6. Physical Therapy: If your symptoms persist, consider seeking the help of a physical therapist. They can provide targeted exercises, manual therapy, and modalities that can aid in your recovery.

7. Avoiding Re-injury: When you do return to running or other physical activities, ensure you warm up properly and incorporate strength training for the muscles surrounding the injured area to provide better support.

Conclusion
In summary, ligament injuries can take time to heal, and the recovery process involves a combination of rest, appropriate therapies, and gradual reintroduction of activities. While home remedies can be effective, if you do not see improvement in your symptoms, it may be wise to consult with a healthcare professional for further evaluation and treatment options. Remember, patience is key in the healing process, and taking the right steps can help ensure a full recovery without the risk of re-injury.

Similar Q&A

Managing Ligament Inflammation: Tips and Treatments for Faster Recovery

Hello, doctor: I would like to ask what precautions should be taken for ligament inflammation? Are there any medications that can help the ligaments heal faster?

Dr. Hou Yuchang reply Traditional Chinese Medicine
Hello: The best method for repairing ligament inflammation is essentially rest, reducing usage to avoid repeated strain. When the pain is severe, Western medications are more effective for pain relief, but they lack reparative effects. Traditional Chinese medicine has better repa...

Managing Ligament Injuries: Foods to Avoid and Home Rehab Tips

If you have a ligament injury, are there any foods you should avoid? How can I rehabilitate at home?

Dr. Jian Jincheng reply Rehabilitation
Hello, if you have a ligament injury, it is best to seek medical attention at a hospital where a physician can provide a professional diagnosis and recommend the appropriate rehabilitation methods to prevent further pain in the injured area.

Recovering from Ligament Injuries: Effective Rehab Strategies

The day after playing basketball, I found that my left foot could hardly touch the ground steadily, almost like I was limping. Walking was very painful, so I consulted a traditional Chinese medicine practitioner who said it was a ligament injury. Will rehabilitation therapy help ...

Dr. Chen Xianchang reply Rehabilitation
Hello, sir: Thank you for your inquiry. Here are my responses and recommendations: 1. Generally speaking, ligament injuries are associated with issues related to blood supply, which makes recovery difficult. 2. During the acute phase, apply ice, take pain relievers, or use top...

Effective Remedies for Ankle Ligament Injuries: Tips and Dietary Advice

It has been two weeks since my ankle ligament injury, and the bruising is still present along with swelling. I am unable to stand or walk yet. Currently, I am visiting a traditional Chinese medicine practitioner three times a week for treatment. Are there any other more effective...

Dr. Lü Bingcheng reply Traditional Chinese Medicine
1. Ankle ligament injury with persistent bruising and swelling for two weeks despite topical Chinese medicine treatment, resulting in an inability to walk or stand. It is recommended to undergo further examination to check for any other unknown injuries. 2. Regarding dietary re...