Have you or someone you know ever hurt their knee while playing sports or running around? It could be a knee ligament injury. Ligaments are like rubber bands that hold your bones together. They help your knee stay stable and move correctly. But when they get hurt, it can be hard and painful to move around. Let’s explore the treatment options available for knee ligament injuries.
Understanding Knee Ligament
Knee ligaments are important for your knee. They help keep your knee stable and let you move easily.
Think of your knee like a door hinge that lets you walk, run, jump, and turn. The ligaments in your knee are strong bands that connect bones together to make sure everything runs smoothly.
There are four main ligaments in the knee that each have a specific job.
- The anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) is inside the knee and helps keep it stable by stopping the shinbone from moving too much.
- The posterior cruciate ligament (PCL) is at the back of the knee and works with the ACL to prevent the shinbone from sliding backwards. It’s stronger than the ACL but can still get hurt, especially in car accidents or sports.
- The medial collateral ligament (MCL) is located inside your knee. It stops your knee from moving side to side and protects it if something hits it on its side.
- The lateral collateral ligament (LCL) is on the outside of your knee that helps control sideways movement.
Knee Ligament Injuries
Knee ligament injuries can vary in severity from being slightly stretched to completely torn. They often happen during sports like football, soccer, and skiing, where there is a lot of running and jumping.
But they can also happen during normal activities that put too much pressure on the knee, like falling in an awkward way.
Symptoms of Knee Ligament Injuries
Knowing the signs of a knee ligament injury is important for getting the right treatment. Some common symptoms are:
- Pain, which can be mild or severe depending on how bad it is.
- Swelling, which usually happens fast and means there is bleeding inside your knee.
- Feeling like your knee might give out when you move it.
- Having trouble bending or straightening your knee.
- Seeing bruises around your knee.
First Steps After Injury
Right after you hurt your knee, follow the R.I.C.E method—Rest, Ice, Compression, and Elevation. This is your first line of defense in knee ligament injury treatment. It helps reduce swelling and pain.
Rest means taking it easy and not putting weight on your injured knee. Ice the knee for about 20 minutes every couple of hours to keep the swelling down. Compression with a bandage can also help control swelling, and elevating your knee above your heart helps reduce swelling, too.
Seeing the Orthopedic Doctor
It’s super important to see an orthopedic doctor if you think you’ve injured your knee ligament. They might ask how you hurt it and check your knee by moving it in different directions.
They may also order an MRI to see the injury better. Based on the results, they’ll suggest the best knee ligament injury treatment for you.
Non-Surgical Treatments
Not all knee ligament injuries need surgery. If the injury is mild or moderate, your orthopedic doctor might suggest:
- Physical Therapy: A physical therapist will teach you exercises to strengthen the muscles around your knee, making it stable again.
- Bracing: Wearing a knee brace can support your knee while it heals.
- Medication: Sometimes, knee doctors prescribe medication to ease the pain.
These treatments can often help your knee recover without needing surgery.
Surgical Treatments
In more serious cases, especially if the ligament is completely torn, surgery might be necessary. The most common surgery for a knee ligament injury is called reconstruction.
During this procedure, the surgeon uses a piece of tendon from another part of your body or from a donor to replace the torn ligament.
After surgery, you’ll likely need physical therapy to regain strength and flexibility in your knee.
Recovery and Prevention
Recovery from a knee ligament injury can take time. It’s crucial to follow your knee doctor’s advice and not rush back into activities too soon.
To prevent future injuries, always warm up before exercising, wear proper shoes, and consider training programs that improve balance, strength, and agility.
Knee Ligament Injury Treatment in San Antonio, TX
Knee ligament injuries are no fun, but with the right treatment, you can often return to your favorite activities.
Struggling with knee ligament injuries? At The Center for Orthopaedic Surgery and Sports Medicine, we understand the impact of such injuries on your daily life and overall well-being. Our board-certified and fellowship-trained orthopedic doctors are at the forefront of orthopedic care, specializing in a comprehensive range of treatments to support your recovery.
To learn more about knee ligament injury treatment, call us today at (210) 692-7400 or request an appointment with our knee doctor using our online form. We look forward to serving you!
