Treatment for knee ligament injuries
& everything you need to know about it

Have you ever experienced a sudden twist or turn in your knee, followed by a sharp pain? 

Chances are, you may have injured one of the ligaments in your knee. Knee ligament injuries can be debilitating and painful, affecting your ability to walk, run, or even stand for long periods. 

But don’t worry – there is hope! Here’s all you need to know about treating knee ligament injuries. From surgery to rehabilitation and prevention techniques – we’ve got you covered. 

So let’s get on the road to recovery!

What is a knee ligament injury?  

Knee ligaments are short bands of muscular, flexible connective tissue that hold the knee together. Knee ligament injuries can result from trauma, such as a car accident. Or they may be due to sports injuries. An example is a sprained knee injury in basketball or skiing. There are 4 main ligaments in the knee. Ligaments connect bones. They provide stability and strength to the joint. 4 patellar tendons connect the femur (thigh) to the lower leg (shin). They are: 

 An anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) is in the middle of the knee. It controls the rotation and forward motion of the tibia. 

The posterior cruciate ligament (PCL) is at the back of the knee. It directs the movement of the tibia backward. 

Medial collateral ligament (MCL). This ligament provides stability to the inside of the knee.  

Lateral collateral ligament (LCL). This ligament provides stability to the outer part of the knee.

Symptoms of a knee ligament injury

Cruciate injury

•  Injury to the cruciate ligaments often causes pain. 
• You may hear a popping sound with an injury. 
• The knee is also swollen. 
• You also cannot move your knee normally. You may also experience pain along the joint and pain when walking. 

The symptoms of a cruciate ligament injury can look like other medical conditions. Always consult a doctor for a diagnosis. 

Damage to the collateral ligaments 

•  Damage to the collateral ligament causes the knee to pop and buckle. 
• It also causes pain and swelling. 
• You often have pain on the sides of the knee and swelling at the site of the injury. If it’s an MCL injury, the pain is on the inside of the knee. 
• An LCL injury can cause pain on the outside of the knee. The knee also feels unstable, like it’s giving out.

How is a knee ligament injury diagnosed?  

Your healthcare provider will ask you to take your health history and perform a physical check-up. You may the following tests: 

  X-ray 

This imaging test can rule out bone injury rather than ligament injury. It uses energy beams to create images of internal tissues, bones, and organs on film. 

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)

This test uses large magnets, radio waves, and a computer to take detailed pictures of the body’s organs and structures. It can often be found in injuries or diseases of the bones and surrounding ligaments, tendons, or muscles.

Arthroscopy  

This method can diagnose joint problems efficiently. The procedure uses a small lighted tube (arthroscope) inserted into the joint by making a small incision. On the screen, you can see pictures of the inside of the joint. The procedure can evaluate joint problems, find bone diseases and tumors, and determine the causes of bone pain and inflammation.

Treatment for Knee Ligament Injuries

Treatment for knee ligament injuries will depend on the severity of your injury and which ligament is affected. 

• Rest, cold compression, and keeping the foot elevated may be enough for minor sprains to heal the injury. However, more severe injuries may require surgery.
• Surgery for knee ligament injuries involves repairing or reconstructing the damaged ligament using a graft from another part of your body or donor tissue. This procedure can take several months to fully recover from but has been shown to have high success rates in restoring full function.
• In some instances, non-surgical treatments such as physical therapy may be recommended. Physical therapy aims to strengthen the surrounding muscles and improve the range of motion in your knee joint while reducing pain and inflammation.

Regardless of which treatment option you choose, it’s essential that you work closely with an experienced orthopedic specialist who can help guide you through each step of your recovery process.

Prevention of Knee Ligament Injuries

Prevention of Knee Ligament Injuries is a vital aspect to consider for people who engage in physical activities that involve running or jumping. One way to prevent knee ligament injuries is by strengthening the muscles around the knee joint. Exercises such as squats, lunges, and leg presses can help strengthen these muscles.

Another way to prevent knee ligament injuries is by wearing appropriate footwear. Shoes with proper support and cushioning can reduce knee stress when engaging in physical activities.

Maintaining a healthy weight can also play a role in preventing knee ligament injuries. Extra weight places more stress on the joints, which could increase the risk of injury during physical activity.

Stretching before exercise can also help prevent injury by preparing the body for movement and increasing joint flexibility.

By taking these preventative measures, individuals who engage in physical activities can decrease their chances of experiencing a painful knee ligament injury.

Consult Dr Rik Kundra for knee ligament injury treatment

If you’re experiencing any symptoms of knee ligament injury, don’t hesitate to seek medical attention. Getting a proper diagnosis and treatment plan as soon as possible is essential to prevent further damage and ensure a full recovery.

Dr Rik Kundra is an experienced orthopedic surgeon specializing in treating knee injuries, including ligament tears. He utilizes the latest techniques and technologies in his practice to provide personalized care for each patient.

Don’t let knee ligament injuries slow you down – consult Dr Rik Kundra today for top-quality care and effective treatment options.