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How to tell if your cat has a front leg injury?

How to tell if your cat has a front leg injury?

If you notice something off in your cat’s gait such as a limp or a hesitation to bear weight, then they may have suffered a forelimb injury. A variety of signs exist to indicate that your cat is dealing with a front leg injury. Listed below are some of the symptoms they may exhibit:

Why is my cat limping on his front leg?

Cats may sustain sprains or stiffness from a bad landing after jumping or other things of that nature. The vet should take a look but odds are it may pass on it’s own but, you should check between the cats toes and check pads.

Can a cat walk on its front legs?

Cats’ front legs are just like humans’ pair of arms. But because cats can’t walk on hind legs like us, their front limbs play even more crucial role in their lives.

What to do if your cat has an amputation of the front leg?

Your cat may also arrive home with an Elizabethan Collar to prevent chewing on the area, something typically used for up to two weeks. This is mainly in the case of amputation. Limiting your cat’s activity following this treatment is vital until they have recovered. Make certain to have routine follow-up appointments with your vet.

If you notice something off in your cat’s gait such as a limp or a hesitation to bear weight, then they may have suffered a forelimb injury. A variety of signs exist to indicate that your cat is dealing with a front leg injury. Listed below are some of the symptoms they may exhibit:

Why does my cat have a limp on her front leg?

Issues with the forelimb can occur due to some form of trauma like a road accident or fall, or even landing wrong after a jump. If you notice something off in your cat’s gait such as a limp or a hesitation to bear weight, then they may have suffered a forelimb injury. Protect yourself and your pet.

What’s the name of the cat that licks his leg?

I did do a search but didn’t find exactly the problem I’m having with my cat. Our cat, Karl, has been excessively licking one spot on his right front leg. To the point where it is very raw and red looking.

How can I tell if my cat has a lame leg?

He may have an abnormal gait (the way his back legs move when he walks), or the position of his back legs when he stands may look different. Some cats develop a swaying motion when walking if they have hip problems. How do I tell which leg my cat is lame on? It is sometimes difficult to tell which leg is causing your cat to be lame.

Why does my kitten have a limp on her leg?

Lameness in younger cats and kittens can be due to several reasons. One example could be inflammation of the bones (Panosteitis), this is a painful condition that affects the cat’s long leg bones and is characterized by limping and lameness.

What causes a cat to lose its front leg?

A few things more commonly cause injuries to a cat’s front leg. Some can be extremely severe, while others can be treated rather easily. No matter, if your cat experiences any of the following, it is important to seek professional treatment to ensure that they heal properly: A bite from an animal or insect can lead to an infection of the limb.

What should I do if my cat has a limping front leg?

Usually, the symptoms for such cases would be a limping front leg together with swelling, disfigurement, and even bone protruding through the skin. Pins and splints would be required to immobilize the damaged limb, as well as to support the bones and tendons inside, before applying any further treatments by the vet’s orders.

Why does my cat have a front leg injury?

A number of different things can lead to your cat sustaining a front leg injury. Issues with the forelimb can occur due to some form of trauma like a road accident or fall, or even landing wrong after a jump.

Which is more common front or back leg amputation in cats?

Cats were twice as likely to have a back leg amputated as a front leg. This may be due to several factors: The front legs carry more weight than the back legs – it is generally believed that amputation of a back leg will be more successful, so amputation of a front leg may not be offered so frequently

Why does my cat not walk on her back legs?

But when a cat has problems walking or putting weight on its back legs, it’s much harder to hide. Weakness and stiffness can be due to bone, ligament, muscle problems, nerve damage, neurological issues, or organ failure. It can be triggered by injury (sprains, strains, and broken bones), or by a progressive disease, such as arthritis.

Is it possible for a cat to break its leg?

Cat Injury. Cat play can get pretty intense at times. Poor cats health can lead to problems jumping up or down, resulting in a cat injury. I have seen cats that have broken their leg indoors, displaced their knee caps, had their tails or toes broken under chairs or in doors and many other unpleasant occurrences.

How long does it take for a cat to recover from a leg injury?

It is always important to keep a close watch on your cat once they have been treated for a front leg injury, and the time it takes to fully recover depends on the severity of the damage. If your cat has been bandaged, it is necessary to properly observe and care for it daily.

What causes a cat to have a sprained leg?

1 Feline Limping Causes. Your furry feline may be limping for a number of reasons. 2 Sprained Leg Symptoms. Sprains occur commonly on a cat’s rear legs and can be caused by his leaping onto an object, misjudging the height and then falling down, or scrambling 3 Ice or Cool Packs. 4 Veterinary Intervention. …

Can a cat walk with a broken leg?

Even if she’s not in obvious discomfort, manipulating broken bones or dislocated joints can cause unnecessary pain and may worsen the injury. Here’s a simple rule of thumb to help you determine the severity of the injury: Most cats will not walk on a broken leg or dislocated joint.

It is always important to keep a close watch on your cat once they have been treated for a front leg injury, and the time it takes to fully recover depends on the severity of the damage. If your cat has been bandaged, it is necessary to properly observe and care for it daily.

What kind of soft tissue injury does a cat have?

It is important to clarify that soft tissue injury does not include broken bones or arthritis. Soft tissue trauma in cats involves injury to the muscles, tendons and ligaments that surround the cat’s bones and joints.

Why does my cat keep limping on one leg?

Lameness (or limping) in cats can be caused by several underlying reasons. Lameness is typically in response to injury or abnormal anatomy and your pet may or may not be in pain. Lameness can affect one leg or several legs, and can be constant or come and go.

What should I do if my cat hurt one of its limbs?

The cat who has injured one of its limbs will let its owner know that it’s in pain, especially if the pain is significant: Veterinarians grade sprain injuries according to how much joint and ligament damage is present: Grade 1: Parts of the ligament are torn. The cat experiences some swelling and pain.

Why does my cat not let me touch his leg?

A Warm Leg – A swollen leg will often feel warm to the touch. If your cat’s leg is warm and swollen, you can be certain he is experiencing some degree of pain if he is not showing it. Refusing to Let You Touch the Leg – If your cat refuses to let you touch his leg/paw, this suggests that he may be in pain.

Why is my cat limping after an injury?

The bones may grow back misaligned, prolonging the limping. This could also explain otherwise-inexplicable limping. If your cat starts limping several weeks after an impact injury, this could be to blame. If you adopt a cat that limps, try to learn its medical background. If your cat had an impact injury, broken bones are not the only concern.

When to seek medical care for Your Cat’s front leg?

Front leg injuries range from mild and simple to treat to complex and serious. Regardless, it is important to seek medical care if your cat has experienced any type of harm to their forelimbs. A number of different things can lead to your cat sustaining a front leg injury.

What happens when a cat is injured in a fight?

Injured cats also sometimes show more aggression than normal after fighting. For example, an injured cat will often bite or scratch defensively when approached. This can be dangerous for their owners and other pets as cats often carry dangerous bacteria such as bartonella henselae, which can cause a condition called cat scratch fever .

Can a cat fall and break its leg?

Cats are agile animals with incredible balancing skills that can often surprise us. This, together with their curious and adventurous spirit, makes them love climbing to great heights and jumping around. However, this can often end in a dramatic falls that result in injury.

How can you tell if your cat has a broken leg?

The signs that your cat has broken its leg or has a major injury in the leg are: Limp or difficulty walking. Very sharp and frequent meowing. Swelling in the affected leg.

Lameness (or limping) in cats can be caused by several underlying reasons. Lameness is typically in response to injury or abnormal anatomy and your pet may or may not be in pain. Lameness can affect one leg or several legs, and can be constant or come and go.

Why is my 19 year old cat limping?

Hi, my 19-year-old cat, Fizz, for the past few days has been limping on his back legs. He’s had arthritis flare-ups before and the vet prescribed a pain med that I give him in a little syringe that we put into his mouth. It seems to help.

What happens when a senior cat gets confused?

You’ve probably already noticed an increase in catnaps, another indication that your cat is getting a little older. Like most senior animals, aging cats can develop dementia, and from this point on, your cat is at increased risk. It is harder for him to learn new things and adjust to change now, and he may get confused more easily.

Why does my senior cat walk with a limp?

The likeliest explanation for limping in senior cats is arthritis. Cats of any age can develop this condition. It becomes worsens as a cat’s age reaches double figures. It is unlikely that a cat aged 12 or older will not be arthritic. The first sign of arthritis in cats is a slowing of physical activity.

Is it normal for a cat to limp on its hind leg?

My cat is limping on its hind leg. The most obvious sign of hind leg lameness is a little limp or hop when they are walking and running. Sometimes this can develop into them holding the leg up and not wanting to put weight on it.

What happens when a cat breaks its leg?

Depending on the severity of the break, the limping may be intermittent and your pet may continue to put some weight on his injured. In more severe cases, your cat will refrain from putting any weight on the injured limp and may experience extreme pain and severe swelling.

What are the symptoms of weak back legs in cats?

Weak and stiff back legs in cats can come on suddenly, or more gradually. Symptoms that you may notice include: Lameness (limping) Struggling to stand; Slow or stiff walking; Unsteady back legs; Holding a leg off the floor while standing; Dragging the back paws; Legs giving out or collapsing; Paralysis – unable to move the legs at all

My cat is limping on its hind leg. The most obvious sign of hind leg lameness is a little limp or hop when they are walking and running. Sometimes this can develop into them holding the leg up and not wanting to put weight on it.

How to tell if my cat has cut its paw?

If your cat has pulled a muscle you may notice him limping or walking on 3 legs. He may hold his leg up when he is standing still or sitting. He may also him appear quieter than normal and may go off his food if it is very sore. How do I tell if my cat has cut its paw?

If your cat has pulled a muscle you may notice him limping or walking on 3 legs. He may hold his leg up when he is standing still or sitting. He may also him appear quieter than normal and may go off his food if it is very sore. How do I tell if my cat has cut its paw?

How can you tell if a cat has a broken leg?

With a broken bone or dislocated joint, there may be swelling and the leg may lie at an awkward angle. Infections of the nail beds may result in crusty, deformed nails. Deeper infections like abscesses will appear as warm, soft, fluctuant swellings under the skin.

Cats’ front legs are just like humans’ pair of arms. But because cats can’t walk on hind legs like us, their front limbs play even more crucial role in their lives.

Why did my cat not break his leg?

I’m assuming his leg isn’t broken because he’s clearly not in pain (leapt on the table today and ate my yoghurt, so clearly not a lot wrong…!) I would have taken him straight to the vets if I thought he was in pain but as I put in my post, after a day of limping he was fine again and running around like a kitten.

What’s the name of the cat that walks on three legs?

Twiddledee, a male cat I am fostering, limps intermittently, episodes seem to last around two days, intervals of around every two weeks, and then Tdee walks normally: he started limping Tuesday night, running on three legs, not putting any weight on the front right paw. Friday morning still limping, but Friday night, he was running normally.

A few things more commonly cause injuries to a cat’s front leg. Some can be extremely severe, while others can be treated rather easily. No matter, if your cat experiences any of the following, it is important to seek professional treatment to ensure that they heal properly: A bite from an animal or insect can lead to an infection of the limb.

Your cat may also arrive home with an Elizabethan Collar to prevent chewing on the area, something typically used for up to two weeks. This is mainly in the case of amputation. Limiting your cat’s activity following this treatment is vital until they have recovered. Make certain to have routine follow-up appointments with your vet.

Why does my cat have a swollen lymph node?

Unusual lumps or swellings anywhere on your cat’s body, especially if they’re getting larger or changing shape. Swollen lymph nodes are a symptom of lymphoma. The lymph nodes behind the knees and under the jaws are easiest to find. Difficulty eating, swallowing, or digesting.

How can I tell if my cat has a paw injury?

Look for noticeable swelling, redness or signs of pain like meowing or flinching when you lightly touch the area. Wag! points out that a cat with a paw pad injury, such as an ingrown claw, may also lick one paw excessively or avoid walking on that foot.

What should I do if my cat’s foot is swollen?

If you note a foreign body between the toes and can reach it easily, remove it and clean the wound with anti-bacterial soap. Soak the foot in warm Epsom salts water to relieve swelling. Then apply antibiotic ointment.

What to do if your cat’s leg is swollen?

There are so many ways to treat swollen leg in your cat. First, you need to find out what has happened exactly. You need to check if leg feels hot. If it is, you should be concerned about premature closing of bite wounds resulting in an infection. Check foot pads and check her leg between toes.

How can you tell if your cat has a broken shoulder?

Pain is the first indication that something is wrong with your cat. Cats will try to hide their pain, but you can tell your cat is hurting if you know what to look for: Look for signs of lameness. When your cat sits, stands, or walks, she transfers her weight from the forelimb up through the shoulder.

What do you call swelling in a cat?

This reaction is referred to as “edema” (swelling). Many issues that cause swelling are harmless to the cat, however, larger health problems may be found when swelling is present. Swelling can happen in any body part. To determine the cause of swelling, all other symptoms present in the cat must be recorded to help identify any underlying issues.

Is it possible for a cat to have shoulder problems?

However, there have been occasions in which shoulder disorders have been reported in cats. There is no prior indication that would necessarily dispose a cat to shoulder joint problems. Symptoms will depend on the severity and long-term nature of the disease A decrease in muscle mass is a consistent finding for all conditions

What causes a cat’s back legs to stop working?

Diabetes, organ failure, and neurological problems can cause the gradual weakening of a cat’s rear legs. If your cat’s hind legs suddenly stopped working, this can sometimes be a sign of a blood clot, infection, or stroke.

What are the symptoms of spinal injury in cats?

If a cat suffers a spinal injury, the onset of symptoms is sudden and can worsen over time: 1 Limp paralysis. 2 Rigid paralysis. 3 Pain. 4 Urinary and fecal incontinence (if the tail has been yanked on or injured). 5 Lethargy. 6 (more items)

Why does my cat have weakness in her back legs?

Saddle Thrombus Can Cause Sudden Back Leg Weakness in Older Cats. A thrombus is a blood clot, which can be common in cats with heart disease. Dr. Benson explains, “A blood clot dislodges from somewhere in the body, then lodges at the pelvic end of the aorta where the blood vessels split to go down the legs (an area known as the saddle),…

Why does my cat have pain in her back?

Many different factors can cause back pain in cats. These include: Soft Tissue Injuries – A strain or sprain to the muscles, ligaments, or tendons surrounding the backbones. A cat with a soft tissue injury may appear stiff and flinch when stroked. Fear and Anxiety – If your cat always flinches when you touch her on the back, she may be anxious.

What causes an injury to a cat or kitten?

Injuries to Cats, Kittens. Accidents happen to cats and kittens, with injuries resulting from fights, cars, fire, owner mistakes or accidents at home.

What happens when a cat’s back leg is taken off?

When a cat is missing either back leg, they will struggle with basic day-to-day activity and will need added assistance. Problems that can arise are using the litter box, jumping, and back pain. When a cat has a hind leg taken off, they tend to have the hardest time emotionally.

How old should a kitten be when their leg is removed?

Depending on the age the cat had its leg removed will change how the cat initially reacts emotionally. The younger the cat, the less likely it will become depressed or show signs of depression. A kitten less than 4 months of age will have the quickest recovery mentally, emotionally, and physically.

Why does my cat have a swollen abdomen?

In this disease, swelling of the abdomen is a symptom of the virus which infects internal organs. According to Pet Health Network, cats that are at risk for this type of infection include those in a multi-cat shelter or household and those who are regularly outdoors.

Issues with the forelimb can occur due to some form of trauma like a road accident or fall, or even landing wrong after a jump. If you notice something off in your cat’s gait such as a limp or a hesitation to bear weight, then they may have suffered a forelimb injury. Protect yourself and your pet.

When to take your limping cat to the vet?

The first thing you need to do is to let her relax. When she is relaxed and lying down, closely inspect her leg and paw for redness and swelling. Gently touch her paw pads and the area around to see if she flinches or meows with pain.

Why does my cat have swelling on his leg?

If your cat has swelling on the leg, then it is likely there is something more seriously wrong with it. The swelling is generally caused by one of two things: Infection: when an infection is present, the body’s immune response kicks in and send antibodies to the infection site.

What are the symptoms of fluid retention in cats legs?

Symptoms. Fluid retention in the leg produces symptoms such as swelling of the leg and distortion of the leg’s shape. Painfulness or tenderness of the leg is common. The leg may be sensitive to the touch. Cats may refuse or be unable to walk on the swollen legs and may cry out in pain, hiss or growl as a result of using their legs.

Lameness in younger cats and kittens can be due to several reasons. One example could be inflammation of the bones (Panosteitis), this is a painful condition that affects the cat’s long leg bones and is characterized by limping and lameness.

How can you tell if a cat has a joint problem?

X-rays show increased fluid within the joint, soft-tissue swelling around the joint, the formation of bony outgrowths, hardening and thickening of bone beneath the cartilage, and sometimes a narrowed joint space. Treatments can be either medical or surgical.

What kind of cat has swollen right paw?

A 15-year-old castrated male domestic shorthair cat presented with a 2-month history of progressive lameness, swelling, and pain in its right front paw. The patient was an indoor only cat.

How can I tell if my cat’s leg is swollen?

Painfulness or tenderness of the leg is common. The leg may be sensitive to the touch. Cats may refuse or be unable to walk on the swollen legs and may cry out in pain, hiss or growl as a result of using their legs.

What kind of pain does my cat have on his right paw?

Upon closer examination, the cat’s right front paw demonstrated severe inflammation, and a bloody, purulent discharge was present between the footpads and interdigitally. All of the nail beds varied from eroded to ulcerated ( Figure 1 ). In addition, a small cranial abdominal mass was palpated, and a mild heart murmur was auscultated.

But when a cat has problems walking or putting weight on its back legs, it’s much harder to hide. Weakness and stiffness can be due to bone, ligament, muscle problems, nerve damage, neurological issues, or organ failure. It can be triggered by injury (sprains, strains, and broken bones), or by a progressive disease, such as arthritis.

Why did my 14 year old cat hurt his leg?

My 14-year-old cat hurt his front leg jumping off a counter. The vet thought it might be a pulled muscle or a shoulder dislocation that went back into place. Put him on Metacam and a painkiller. He is barely eating or drinking. He is peeing but not pooping.

Cat Injury. Cat play can get pretty intense at times. Poor cats health can lead to problems jumping up or down, resulting in a cat injury. I have seen cats that have broken their leg indoors, displaced their knee caps, had their tails or toes broken under chairs or in doors and many other unpleasant occurrences.

Weak and stiff back legs in cats can come on suddenly, or more gradually. Symptoms that you may notice include: Lameness (limping) Struggling to stand; Slow or stiff walking; Unsteady back legs; Holding a leg off the floor while standing; Dragging the back paws; Legs giving out or collapsing; Paralysis – unable to move the legs at all

Can a cat with a sprained leg fall in love?

Feline acrobatics of jumping, running quickly around corners and flying through the air to pounce on items can cause a sprained leg. Sprains are warm, swollen and painful to cats, but they usually heal themselves within a few days with rest and home treatment. Cuteness FYI – Can Pets Fall In Love?

How long does it take for a cat to heal from a sprained leg?

Feline acrobatics of jumping, running quickly around corners and flying through the air to pounce on items can cause a sprained leg. Sprains are warm, swollen and painful to cats, but they usually heal themselves within a few days with rest and home treatment.

Is it normal for a cat to be in heat?

When a cat’s in heat, she advertises the fact to increase her chances of finding a boyfriend and having kittens. One way she does this is by vocalizing incredibly loudly and constantly. To an inexperienced owner, it may seem like she’s in pain, but this is perfectly normal behavior.

What to do if your cat has heat stroke?

You must keep all males away from her until her heat has passed. Keep either the male(s) or female isolated in a separate room. Spruce the room up so the isolated cat doesn’t grow anxious. Put a litter box in there, along with a comfortable bed, food, and plenty of toys to keep them occupied.

Is it safe to spay a female cat in heat?

Yes. Unlike dogs, it’s fine to spay a female cat when in heat. The surgery is considered safe, despite the slightly greater blood supply to the womb, and when the ovaries are removed, she will come out of heat.

What do they look for in an X-ray of a cat?

The most common areas of the body that are x-rayed in cats are listed here. Thorax (chest): to evaluate respiratory conditions like asthma, bronchitis, and pneumonia, heart conditions, broken ribs, and to look for fluid and tumors within the chest cavity.

Usually, the symptoms for such cases would be a limping front leg together with swelling, disfigurement, and even bone protruding through the skin. Pins and splints would be required to immobilize the damaged limb, as well as to support the bones and tendons inside, before applying any further treatments by the vet’s orders.

How is an X-ray taken of the lower leg?

Two different pictures are taken of the lower leg: one from the front (anteroposterior view or AP) and one from the side (lateral view). An X-ray of the tibia and fibula doesn’t require any special preparation. You may be asked to remove some clothing, jewelry, or any metal objects that might interfere with the X-ray image.

What does a chest X-ray of a fat cat show?

This is a labeled normal feline DV (dorsoventral) chest X-Ray of a fat cat. The top red arrow points to the aorta. The bottom red arrow points to the posterior vena cava, bringing venous blood from the back of the body to the heart .

How to interpret cat radiographs ( X-rays )?

Lets look at same cat Radiographs. Click on them to make them larger. First, we will learn some normal anatomy. This cat is laying on its right side. Labeled radiographs are below. Did you notice the stones in the urinary bladder (red circle)

Where are the Red Arrows on a cat X-ray?

The top red arrow points to the aorta. The bottom red arrow points to the posterior vena cava, bringing venous blood from the back of the body to the heart . A normal cat lateral abdominal radiograph to see some of the variation. That large white granular tube is a colon filled with feces. A normal cat lateral abdominal radiograph.

Where to look for a bite on a cat?

If your cat has been in a fight, examine his or her fur carefully for hidden bite wounds. You’ll often find punctures around the neck area, rump area, and on the legs.

How does a snake bite look like on a cat?

Venomous snakes tend to leave two large puncture wounds in the flesh from their fangs. Nonvenomous snakes leave more of a horseshoe shape of smaller incisions. Not all bites are visible, especially in cats with long hair, and some bites do not puncture the skin. Symptoms may worsen as time passes.

What happens if you let your cat bite you?

Cat bites can be dangerous if not taken care of properly. Cats have sharp teeth that are able to make deep punctures, and cats’ mouths harbor a lot of bacteria that can potentially cause infection. If left untreated or not given proper first aid care, cat bites can lead to infection, cat scratch fever, or in rare cases, rabies.

How can I tell if my cat has a leg bite?

In cats with leg bites, the infection makes walking painful so it may start limping. Sometimes, the cat will groom and lick the area of the bite excessively. In rare cases where the cat may have sustained a bite to the chest, you may notice that your cat has problems breathing.

How can you tell if your cat has been in a fight?

Watch for other signs of a bite. Your cat may show others signs that let you know it has been in a fight. In cats with leg bites, the infection makes walking painful so it may start limping. Sometimes, the cat will groom and lick the area of the bite excessively.

What happens if a cat gets bit in a fight?

If a cat gets into a fight, you may not know about it. The puncture wounds will close over and trap bacteria in the skin. This will lead to swelling where the cat was bitten. Check the cat’s body for any swelling. The most common places a cat will get bitten is the head, neck, forelimbs, and the base of the tail.

What should I do if my cat has a wound on his leg?

If your cat has been bitten or has an open wound, your veterinarian will check the site for any infections. Blood work may be done as well to determine your cat’s overall health. Another primary test that may be recommended is a standard X-ray.

What does it mean when a cat walks with its tail between its legs?

When a cat walks with their tail between their legs, it is a sign that they are afraid of something or might be submitting to a more dominant cat or human. They might also roll over and offer their belly to a dominant cat to show that they are not contesting the dominance.

When to take a cat with a swollen leg to the vet?

Answer by Kate. your cat needs to see a vet as soon as possible. he may have broken or fractured something in his leg, it sounds like an infection has set in too with the swelling etc. Even if he has only bruised or twisted something he needs to have medical attention to prevent the injury getting any worth.

My 14-year-old cat hurt his front leg jumping off a counter. The vet thought it might be a pulled muscle or a shoulder dislocation that went back into place. Put him on Metacam and a painkiller. He is barely eating or drinking. He is peeing but not pooping.

What should I do if my cat hurt his leg?

Speaking of the leg injury, let’s talk about that limping. The treatment that your cat received should have been sufficient to address a minor soft tissue injury or muscle strain.

Is it normal for a cat to lay on your shoulder?

Some may even snuggle while curled on your shoulder, especially if you are sitting. On when it occurs, most cats will shoulder ride you while you are at home sitting, standing, doing something such as scooping litter (especially kittens), talking, reading something, and so on. However, it can also occur a walk in nature, city, or anywhere.

What happens when a cat has a Grade 2 sprain?

Grade 2: Ligament is partially torn or greatly stretched. The cat experiences swelling and inability to comfortably use the limb. Grade 3: Ligament is completely torn. The affected bones are no longer joined by the ligament. Surgery is required.