Knee ligament injuries are not uncommon in the sports world and may even occur during day-to-day activities. When a knee ligament is damaged, it causes pain and tenderness and in some cases problems with mobility. While many knee ligament injuries heal with a little rest and relaxation, some require more advanced treatments such as therapy or even surgery.
Function of Knee Ligaments
The knee joint is held in place by a series of tendons and ligaments that help maintain its stability. The American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons, or AAOS, describes these as collateral ligaments and cruciate ligaments. The two collateral ligaments are the medial and lateral collateral ligaments, which run along the sides of the knee to keep it aligned. The cruciate ligaments include the anterior cruciate ligament and the posterior cruciate ligament, which form a cross in the middle of the knee joint. In addition to knee stability, the cruciate ligaments help the knee to bend and straighten. All four ligaments are important for efficient and stable knee function.
Types of Ligament Sprains
Knee ligaments, while strong, are thin bands of connective tissue. They are particularly vulnerable to damage during high-impact sports, as they can be ruptured or strained during quick changes in movements and sudden impacts. A damaged or sprained knee ligament is defined in three different grades of severity. Grade one sprains involve mild stretching of the ligament, which resolves in time. Grade two occurs when a ligament becomes overstretched, and becomes too loose or partially torn. Grade three, the most severe, implies a complete tear of one of the four knee ligaments.
Symptoms of Knee Ligament Injury
One of the most obvious symptoms of a knee ligament injury is pain. The National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases, or NIAMS, reports that a common sign of a ligament injury is pain and tenderness around the tendon attachment site. Depending on the grade of the sprain, the injured person may also notice swelling and redness around the knee joint, and may have difficulty bending or straightening her knee. If a partial of full tear is suspected, an MRI may be necessary to diagnose a higher grade of ligament strain.
Treating a Knee Ligament Injury
The first line of defense against a mild knee ligament injury, such as a grade one sprain, is the acronym RICE: rest, ice, compression and elevation. In other words, keep off the knee as much as possible, ice and wrap it, and keep it up as much as possible. NIAMS also recommends taking anti-inflammatory medications such as ibuprofen. If RICE is not helping, or if ligament damage is suspected, the injured person should consult a doctor. Some knee ligament injuries may require physical therapy to strengthen the muscles surrounding the knee joint. In severe cases, surgery may be necessary to repair a torn knee ligament.
Considerations
The AAOS reports that while in the past a knee ligament injury might have required a lifestyle change for many athletes, today some athletes are able to return to sport activities even after a grade three sprain. Many people are able to recover a normal level of activity, even if ligament surgery was necessary. The NIAMS reports that recovery from knee ligament surgery can take up to six months.
