The knee is a complex structure and one of the largest joints in the body. The ligaments in the knee connect the thighbone to lower leg bones and are vital for any kind of movement like walking, running or playing. Ligaments are tough bands of connective tissue responsible for giving support to the knee joints and providing stability to them. There are four ligaments in the knee and the knee relies on them for stability and movement. These ligaments are highly susceptible to sprains and tears during sports activities, physical work or exercises or due to accidents leading to knee ligament injuries. The ligaments can be stretched, torn or ruptured.
The Anatomy of Your Knees
First, it will be beneficial to examine your knee, before specifically discussing your ligaments. Your knee is one of the body’s more complicated joints, and it is among the largest. Your knee joint is connected to the thigh bone – which is also referred to as the femur – along with the shin bone – which is also called the tibia. Your knee joint also contains the kneecap – which is also referred to as the patella – and the small bone that runs near the tibia called the fibula.
Your knee bones are connected to your leg muscles by tendons that also move the knee joint, and they also have ligaments that supply your knee with stability. You very likely have heard of these particular ligaments. The anterior cruciate ligament or ACL keeps your femur from moving backward on the tibia. The posterior cruciate ligament or PCL does just the opposite in that it prevents the femur from moving forward on the tibia or backward on the femur. Finally, the medial and lateral collateral ligament (MCL) keeps the femur from moving sideways.
Injuries to the Ligaments
A few common knee ligament injuries are:
ACL (Anterior Cruciate Ligament) – It is one of the two major ligaments in the body and connects the thigh bone to the shinbone.
PCL (Posterior Cruciate Ligament) – It is the second major ligament in the knee and connects the thighbone to the shinbone.
MCL (Medial Collateral Ligament) – This ligament connects the thigh bone to the fibula, which is a small bone on the outside of the lower leg.
LCL (Lateral Collateral Ligament) – It connects the thigh bone to the inside of the shin bone.
An ACL tear is the most common among the issues that can occur with these ligaments, and it can often require surgery in order to repair it. The problem often surfaces as the result of a sudden change in direction, an immediate stop or pivot of the foot, jumping or a direct hit to the area. Some of the activities in which this can take place include sports such as football, basketball, tennis, volleyball, skiing, gymnastics and soccer.
PCL tears do not happen with the same degree of frequency, but they can also create moderate pain, instability and swelling. A direct hit or fall at the knee can cause this to take place. This can occur when participating in sports, or due to banging your knee on the dashboard during a motor vehicle accident. Fortunately, this injury can often be treated through physical therapy rather than surgery.
A tear in your MCL can cause pain and instability for the inside portion of your knee. Contact sports are often the culprit when a torn MCL takes place, as this is often the result of impact to your outer knee. In many cases, this can happen if another individual bangs into this portion of your knee. MCL tears can be painful and there is often a popping sound and swelling associated with this injury.
Causes:
- Sudden change in direction while running
- Blunt force hit to the knee, such as during football tackle
- Extending the knee too far
- Suddenly stopping while running
- Sudden shift of weight from one leg to another
- Landing or jumping with a hyperextended knee
Symptoms:
- Pain in knee, which can be sudden and severe
- Pop or snap felt during injury
- Inflammation
- A feeling of looseness in the joint
- Inability to walk and bear weight on the knees
Diagnosis:
A knee ligament injury is diagnosed by an orthopedic doctor who will inquire about the nature of the injury, when and how it happened and the area where numbness and pain is experienced. Diagnostic tests like X-Rays, MRI scans and ultrasound scans provide images of any tears or ruptures that help in determining the injury.
Treatment:
Knee ligament injuries of mild nature get resolved with time and you may be advised to follow the RICE approach which is; Rest the knee, avoid putting any weight on it, ice the knee for 15-20 minutes to reduce pain and swelling, compress the knee using elastic bandages to control swelling and elevate the knee on a pillow.
The surgeon may recommend wearing braces to provide support and stability to the knee. Anti-inflammatory painkillers help in reducing pain and swelling, and stretching and strengthening exercises can also be recommended by the doctor. Surgery is required if you have injured your ACL or ruptured your PCL and in cases of severe injury to the knee ligaments.
When to See a Doctor
If you have reason to believe that you have experienced any of these ligament tears, you should visit a physician. This is also the case if you have not seen any improvement in your level of pain after spending an entire week resting your knee and icing it multiple times each day for at least 20 minutes. Also, if you cannot place any weight on your knee, if you have a fever or if your knee is red, then it is time to contact a physician.
For comprehensive orthopedic treatment for knee ligament injuries, visit OrthoTexas at 4780 North Josey Lane (N. Josey Lane and FM 544/Parker Rd), Carrollton, TX 75010. To schedule an appointment, call at (972) 492-1334