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What are knee ligament injuries?
Knee ligaments are the short bands of tough, flexible connective tissue that hold the knee together. Knee ligament injuries can be caused by trauma, such as a car accident. Or they can be caused by sports injuries. An example is a twisting knee injury in basketball or skiing.
The knee has 4 major ligaments. Ligaments connect bones to each other. They give the joint stability and strength. The 4 knee ligaments connect the thighbone (femur) to the shin bone (tibia). They are:
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Anterior cruciate ligament (ACL). This ligament is in the center of the knee. It controls rotation and forward movement of the shin bone.
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Posterior cruciate ligament (PCL). This ligament is in the back of the knee. It controls backward movement of the shin bone.
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Medial collateral ligament (MCL). This ligament gives stability to the inner knee.
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Lateral collateral ligament (LCL). This ligament gives stability to the outer knee.
What causes knee ligament injuries?
Cruciate ligaments
The ACL is one of the most common ligaments to be injured. The ACL is often stretched or torn during a sudden twisting motion. This is when the feet stay planted one way, but the knees turn the other way. Slowing down while running or landing from a jump incorrectly can cause ACL injuries.Skiing, basketball, and football are sports that have a higher risk for ACL injuries.
The PCL is also a common ligament to become injured in the knee. But a PCL injury often occurs with a sudden, direct hit, such as in a car accident or during a football tackle.
Collateral ligaments
The MCL is injured more often than the LCL. Stretch and tear injuries to the collateral ligaments are often caused by a blow to the outer side of the knee. This can happen when playing hockey or football.
What are the symptoms of knee ligament injuries?
Cruciate injury
A cruciate ligament injury often causes pain. Often you may hear a popping sound when the injury happens. Then your leg buckles when you try to stand on it. The knee also swells. You also aren't able to move your knee as you normally would. You may also feel pain along the joint and pain when walking.
The symptoms of a cruciate ligament injury may seem like other health conditions. Always see your healthcare provider for a diagnosis.
Collateral ligament injury
An injury to the collateral ligament also causes the knee to pop and buckle. It also causes pain and swelling. Often you will have pain at the sides of the knee and swelling over the injury site. If it is an MCL injury, the pain is on the inside of the knee. An LCL injury may cause pain on the outside of the knee. The knee will also feel unstable, like it is going to give way.
How are knee ligament injuries diagnosed?
Your healthcare provider will ask about your health history and do a physical exam. You may also need 1 or both of these tests:
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X-ray. This imaging test can rule out an injury to bone instead of a ligament injury. It uses energy beams to make images of internal tissues, bones, and organs on film.
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MRI. This test uses large magnets, radio waves, and a computer to make detailed images of organs and structures in the body. It can often find damage or disease in bones and a surrounding ligament, tendon, or muscle.
How are knee ligament injuries treated?
Treatment will depend on your symptoms, age, and general health. It will also depend on how severe the condition is. Treatment may include:
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Pain medicine, such as ibuprofen
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Muscle-strengthening exercises
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Protective knee brace
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Ice pack to ease swelling
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Surgery
Key points about knee ligament injuries
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Knee ligaments are the short bands of elastic tissue that holds the knee together. There are 4 main ligaments in each knee.
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Knee ligament injuries can be cause by trauma, such as a car accident. Or they can by caused by sports injuries.
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The anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) is one of the most common ligaments to be injured.
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Treatment may include medicine, muscle-strengthening exercises, a knee brace, or surgery.
Next steps
Tips to help you get the most from a visit to your healthcare provider:
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Know the reason for your visit and what you want to happen.
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Before your visit, write down questions you want answered.
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Bring someone with you to help you ask questions and remember what your provider tells you.
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At the visit, write down the name of a new diagnosis, and any new medicines, treatments, or tests. Also write down any new directions your provider gives you.
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Know why a new medicine or treatment is prescribed, and how it will help you. Also know what the side effects are.
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Ask if your condition can be treated in other ways.
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Know why a test or procedure is recommended and what the results could mean.
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Know what to expect if you do not take the medicine or have the test or procedure.
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If you have a follow-up appointment, write down the date, time, and purpose for that visit.
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Know how you can contact your healthcare provider if you have questions.
Online Medical Reviewer:Rahul Banerjee MD
Online Medical Reviewer:Raymond Turley Jr PA-C
Online Medical Reviewer:Stacey Wojcik MBA BSN RN
Date Last Reviewed:5/1/2023
© 2000-2024 The StayWell Company, LLC. All rights reserved. This information is not intended as a substitute for professional medical care. Always follow your healthcare professional's instructions.
FAQs
An injury to the collateral ligament also causes the knee to pop and buckle. It also causes pain and swelling. Often you will have pain at the sides of the knee and swelling over the injury site. If it is an MCL injury, the pain is on the inside of the knee.
Can you still walk with a torn ligament in your knee? ›
If the MCL or ACL tears, the result is usually pain, swelling, stiffness, and instability. In most cases, the injured person can still walk with the torn knee ligament. But the movement will be severely limited, not to mention painful. Surgery may be the best route to a pain-free life, with amazing success rates.
What does a knee ligament strain feel like? ›
Pain with movement or activity in the knee. Swelling in the knee. Walking with a limp or a feeling that the knee is going to “give out” with standing and walking. The feeling of a “pop” or “snap” felt in the knee when the injury occurred.
What does an MCL tear feel like? ›
What are MCL tear symptoms? The most noticeable MCL tear symptom is pain on the inside of your knee directly over the ligament. You may also hear and feel a “popping” sensation in your knee at the time of injury. Other common symptoms include bruising, knee instability, swelling, and the inability to hold your weight.
How do you tell if a ligament is stretched or torn? ›
What are the Symptoms of a Torn Ligament?
- Snapping, popping or a crackling sound when the injury occurs.
- Pain that doesn't improve within 24 to 72 hours.
- Swelling that doesn't lessen within 24 to 72 hours.
- Bruising.
- Limited ability to move the joint.
- Inability to bear weight on joint.
- Symptoms that get worse.
If you're able to put pressure on your hurt leg, you may notice that it's harder than normal to walk. Some people find that the knee joint feels looser than it should. Less range of motion. After you damage your ACL, it's very likely that you won't be able to bend and flex your knee like you normally would.
What are three signs of a meniscus tear in the knee? ›
Symptoms and signs of a meniscus tear:
- A popping sensation when the injury occurs.
- Swelling or stiffness.
- Pain, especially when twisting or rotating the knee.
- Difficulty fully straightening the knee.
- "Locked" feeling when trying to move the knee.
Ligaments are durable and flexible, despite the size and lack of blood supply. However, an unnatural twist or hyperextension can tear the tissue. Minor tears can heal without surgery, needing continuous support and care. However, full-thickness tears need surgical help.
Is walking good for knee ligament injuries? ›
Always try to walk normally – i.e. heel down first. In the early stages after injury excessive weight bearing may cause increased pain and swelling. You may be given crutches for a short time to help with this. Gradually increase your activity as the pain and swelling subside.
How to test for knee ligament injury at home? ›
Try gently bending and straightening your knee. Notice if you encounter any resistance, discomfort, or pain. If you find those movements challenging, this could indicate a potential ligament injury. If you cannot move your leg in any direction, contact your doctor as soon as possible.
Knee sprains and knee ligament tears are similar injuries. The difference is how severely your ligaments are stretched or damaged. Grade 1 and grade 2 knee sprains mean your ligaments are stretched or partially torn, but not completely.
Is it better to rest or walk with knee pain? ›
Treating the pain when it happens can help manage it. Follow the “RICE” procedure — rest, ice, compression, elevation — to calm your knee pain. If your knee hurts, stop what you're doing and rest. Apply ice to reduce inflammation, consider wearing a compression bandage, and elevate your knee when resting.
What does a PCL tear feel like? ›
With a PCL injury, you may have: Mild pain that may get worse over time. A feeling that your knee is unstable and can shift as if it "gives way" Knee swelling that starts right after the injury.
How do I know if I tore my MCL or meniscus? ›
Palpation of the joint line can also help determine the difference between an MCL tear and a meniscus tear. The MCL will usually hurt directly over the ligament itself, whereas pain in the front or behind the MCL it often can be a meniscus tear. In addition, if one gaps open, one commonly has an MCL tear.
Should I wear a knee brace for a MCL injury? ›
For grade II injuries, you will most likely need to wear a hinged knee brace for a specified period of time. Treatment will be similar to that of a grade I tear, but will involve a greater period of rest to allow for healing.
Can a torn ligament in the knee heal itself? ›
Ligaments are durable and flexible, despite the size and lack of blood supply. However, an unnatural twist or hyperextension can tear the tissue. Minor tears can heal without surgery, needing continuous support and care. However, full-thickness tears need surgical help.
What is the difference between a torn ligament and a torn meniscus? ›
ACL tears are often associated with a popping sound, immediate swelling, and a feeling of instability. MCL tears commonly cause knee pain and tenderness along the inner side of the knee. Meniscus tears may produce a popping sensation, locking or catching of the knee, and difficulty straightening the leg.
How do you tell if your knee is sprained or torn? ›
Signs and symptoms of a knee sprain, strain or tear may include:
- A popping sound at the time of injury.
- Discomfort when walking.
- Inability to use your knee in a normal manner.
- Pain, especially when attempting to bear weight on the affected area.
- Swelling and irritation of the knee.
