A ligament tear occurs when a ligament, which is a band of tough, elastic tissue connecting bones at a joint, is stretched or torn. This injury often happens during sports or physical activities, especially when the joint is twisted or impacted. Common symptoms include pain, swelling, and difficulty moving the affected joint. There are different degrees of ligament tears, ranging from mild sprains to complete tears. The severity of the injury determines the treatment approach, which may include rest, ice, compression, elevation, and sometimes surgery. Ligament tears are common in areas like the knee, ankle, and shoulder.