Capsule tear

Not only the muscles, ligaments and tendons are more or less stressed during sport, but also the joints. Each joint is surrounded by a capsule that can be injured by incorrect movement. One of these types of injury is the Capsule tear or the Joint capsule tear.

What is a capsule tear?

A doctor should always be consulted if a capsule tear is suspected. As a rule, after an appropriate diagnosis, the doctor will immobilize the joint, since moving too early can lead to a permanent restriction of the range of motion.
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Capsule ruptures are tears of the joint capsule sustained in a dislocation or sprain, which often occur in combination with ligament injuries. Capsule tears often occur in fingers and toes, as well as in the ankle or knee.

Typical symptoms of a capsule tear are severe pain, a bruise and clearly noticeable swelling of the affected joint.

The joint capsule is a connective tissue covering that encloses the joint cavity filled with synovial fluid. Together with the ligaments, it ensures the stability of the joint.

The outer capsule protects the inner capsule layer, which by producing synovial fluid ensures that the joint can move smoothly.

causes

Does it come, e.g. B. in sports, to an abrupt, extreme movement by which the joint is overstretched or forced in a direction that is outside the normal range of motion, in many cases not only the ligaments are injured, but the capsule is also damaged.

Such a Capsule tear can be caused by a fall, twisting or a badly hit ball. External influences such as blows or kicks can also cause the capsule to tear.

Since the inner ligament in the knee has grown together with the joint capsule, a tear in the inner ligament can also be the cause of a capsule tear.

Symptoms, ailments & signs

The exact symptoms and symptoms that occur when the capsule ruptures depends on where in the body the injury occurs. In general, a capsule tear at the moment of injury manifests itself as a strong, usually sharp pain in the affected part of the body. This can then no longer be moved painlessly and swells.

When smaller blood vessels are injured, bruising can occur. In the area of ​​the capsule rupture, a large bruise may form, which will only slowly subside. Often this limits the mobility of the joint and causes further pain. Occasionally, a capsular tear can be recognized by the typical cracking of the joint. Symptoms of a ruptured capsule usually develop slowly.

After the acute pain reaction, the affected part of the body swells very slowly, often over days or weeks, and the aforementioned signs of injury appear. With appropriate treatment, the joint will heal again within a few weeks. The complaints slowly subside, with the pain turning into a dull throbbing and often lingering for a long time. If a capsule tear is not treated comprehensively, chronic joint, muscle and nerve damage can occur.

Diagnosis & course

At the moment of the injury, a sharp, later pulsating pain indicates you Capsule tear down. Severe swelling of the joint is another characteristic symptom. The swelling is caused by synovial fluid that flows out of the injured capsule.

A capsule tear is often accompanied by a bruise, which forms as a result of an injury to smaller vessels and can lead to restricted mobility of the joint. In some cases, a cracking sound occurs when moving a joint affected by a capsular tear.

A capsular tear is often not that easy to diagnose, since overstretching the joint can also lead to other injuries such as a stretched or torn ligament. An x-ray often cannot tell exactly whether the ligaments or the capsule are injured.

A ligament injury can largely be excluded by means of an ultrasound examination. If the nature of the injury is still not clear after this examination, magnetic resonance therapy can help to clarify the situation.

Complications

As a rule, a capsule rupture leads to relatively severe and, above all, sharp pain. These are particularly noticeable in the patient's joints and can also spread to other regions of the body and lead to pain and discomfort there as well. A capsule rupture significantly reduces the patient's quality of life and bruises or swellings occur.

There are also significant restrictions on movement, so that normal running or walking is no longer possible. The practice of a professional activity or a sport can also be prevented by the capsule rupture. If the joint continues to move, it usually cracks. A ligament tear can also occur. A capsule rupture must be treated by a doctor in any case, as no independent healing will occur.

With the help of various therapies and painkillers, the symptoms can be limited and reduced. Furthermore, the patient is dependent on bed rest and must avoid various movements. A capsule rupture can also lead to osteoarthritis in the joint. Life expectancy is not restricted by the capsule tear.

When should you go to the doctor?

If sudden extreme movement results in sharp pain near a joint on the body, a doctor should be consulted. If a brief, severe pain sensation occurs, especially during sports activities, a fall or an accident, this is an indication of existing damage in the organism. If the person concerned has a pulsating sensation at the affected area in the further course, he should consult a doctor.

If there is a sudden drop in performance, a restriction in mobility or discoloration of the skin, medical care is necessary. In addition to the capsule rupture, damage to the surrounding vessels often results in a bruise. The existing forces dwindle and touch is perceived as unpleasant. A few minutes after the incident, the first sensitivity disorders of the skin appear.

To avoid further spread of the symptoms, a doctor should be consulted immediately. Within a short time after the pain exposure, severe swelling sets in. In these cases it is helpful to cool the injured area as quickly as possible. Nevertheless, if the capsule ruptures, the rule of thumb is that the sooner a doctor is consulted, the more optimal the future course of the disease will be. In order to avoid further damage, the injured region must be spared immediately after the damage.

Treatment & Therapy

A Capsule tear is initially treated according to the PECH rule: In the coming days and weeks, the affected joint should be largely spared. Cooling relieves pain in acute injuries and prevents the affected joint from swelling too much.

A compression bandage can also counteract excessive swelling of the joint. The affected part of the body should be raised as often as possible so that it is not supplied with too much blood. Painkillers help against the severe pain caused by a capsule rupture. However, blood-thinning agents should be avoided as they increase the blood flow to the tissue.

A doctor should always be consulted if a capsule tear is suspected. As a rule, after an appropriate diagnosis, the doctor will immobilize the joint, since moving too early can lead to a permanent restriction of the range of motion. Special exercise training under the guidance of a physical therapist can also be used to help reduce the bruise faster.

It usually takes at least six weeks for a capsule to heal completely. Cooling and decongestant drugs can have a positive effect on the healing process. However, it can happen that the mobility of the joint remains limited even after a capsular tear has healed. The capsule may remain thickened, especially in the fingers. A joint osteoarthritis can also develop in the long term from a capsule tear.

Outlook & forecast

The prognosis for a capsular tear is favorable. If the person concerned acts early and takes medical care, there will be a full recovery within a few weeks. The affected physical region must be immobilized immediately and should be adequately cooled.

Major lifestyle restrictions are to be expected during the treatment process. Sports and professional activities cannot be carried out as usual. In addition, various activities in everyday life cannot be carried out without symptoms. This can lead to disturbances in coping with everyday life or psychological stress. If the person concerned adheres to the doctor's instructions, most patients will be free of symptoms after about six weeks. Consequences are not to be expected.

If there is no medical treatment, the capsule tear will also heal. On this way, however, severe pain and thus an additional impairment of the state of health can be expected. Since the affected physical region is automatically moved on without a shutdown, this makes the healing success extremely difficult.There are delays in the recovery process and the likelihood of complications increasing.

Capsule rupture can occur at any time in the course of life. If a new diagnosis is made, the prognosis remains favorable if medical and medical care is provided.

prevention

The elasticity of tendons, ligaments and capsules decreases from around the age of 30. Therefore, they are particularly prone to cracking. To one Capsule tear To prevent this, it is advisable to warm up thoroughly before doing sports. Special stretching exercises can help here.

You can do that yourself

A capsule tear is treated acutely using the so-called PECH rule: break from training, ice and compresses against pain and swelling, elevation to regulate the blood flow in the affected joint. The action patients can take after the initial treatment if the capsule ruptures depends on the doctor's diagnosis.

Immobilization of the joint is the best therapy for the first two to three weeks. Then the affected joint should be slowly brought back to the usual movement sequences. In addition, targeted joint exercises are sometimes recommended. Under the guidance of a physiotherapist, suitable movement training can be carried out, which promotes the healing of a ruptured capsule and the reduction of hematomas. Cooling and protection support this process. In addition, the affected joint should be taped in the first few days and weeks. A suitable bandage distributes the force and in this way relieves the joint.

In consultation with the doctor, various natural remedies can also be tried. Arnica, for example, helps with severe pain and swelling. Preparations with the active ingredients Bryonia and Ledum also have a pain-relieving effect and promote the healing process in the event of a capsule rupture.