The knee is one of the most complex joints in the human body and comprises four main ligaments. When one or more of these ligaments is damaged, it can cause pain, swelling, and instability in the knee joint.
The anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) tear is the most common knee ligament injury. The ACL is a strong band of tissue stabilizing the knee joint and preventing the leg from sliding forward. A tear of the ACL can occur when the leg is twisted or when the knee is hit from the side and this is one of the most common sports injuries in young athletes.
Role of knee ligaments:
There are three main knee ligaments:
- The medial collateral ligament (MCL)
- The lateral collateral ligament (LCL)
- The anterior cruciate ligament (ACL).
These ligaments stabilize the knee joint and allow for normal movement.
Also, these ligaments are responsible for keeping it from moving too far in any one direction.
When do the knee ligaments get injured???
Knee ligament injuries are among the most common sports injuries. They can occur in any sport but are most common in football, soccer, and basketball.
Signs and symptoms:
Symptoms of a knee ligament injury include
- Pain
- Swelling
- Instability of the knee joint
- “Popping” sensation in the knee joint
- Limited or loss of range of motion
Imagine you are involved in a sports activity, and unfortunately, you encounter a knee ligament injury…suffering from pain and swelling. What next??? You rush to the hospital and seek prompt treatment. At the same time, you might feel worried when you hear that you need to undergo surgery.
Is surgery the only option to treat your ligament injury???
The answer is not always yes.
Many non-surgical treatments can help you heal and get back to your favorite activities. Hold on to know more!!!
- Rest is the most important thing you can do for a knee ligament injury. This gives your body the time it needs to heal.
- You may also need crutches or a knee brace to keep weight off your injured leg.
- Ice and heat can also help treat a knee ligament injury. Ice helps reduce swelling and pain, while heat can increase blood flow to the area and help reduce stiffness.
- Physical therapy is another treatment option to help you regain strength and flexibility in your knee.
- You also have more modern options for treatment such as PRP injections and electrotherapy, but it is recommended for a selective group of patients. So, before opting for these, make sure you consult your doctor and get proper suggestions.
While you wait for your knee to heal, there are some exercises you can do to stay in shape and speed up your recovery.
- Heel slides
- Straight leg raises
- Knee extensions
- Isometric quad contractions
But please do keep in mind: “Never ever attempt these exercises without your physician’s input, since it might result in complications if not done properly or if it does not suit you.
Surgery is commonly indicated if the tear is severe, combined with other injuries and post-case assessment, especially tears beyond grade 3 where injury will not respond to these treatments.
In conclusion, a knee ligament injury can be a serious and debilitating injury. It is important to seek medical attention immediately after the injury occurs. Early diagnosis and treatment are essential for a successful outcome.
Let’s not suffer in pain anymore!!!
