Knee Ligament Injury Treatment

Soccer players in action

Knee Ligament Injury Treatment in Hoover and Birmingham, Alabama

Knee ligaments are essential to joint stability and movement. When one is injured, the resulting pain and loss of mobility can keep people from participating in the activities they love. Southlake Orthopaedics is a multi-specialty orthopedic practice with locations in Birmingham-Grandview and Hoover, AL, providing comprehensive orthopedic care. Learn more about knee ligament injuries and the treatments we offer.

What Is a Knee Ligament Injury?

Ligaments are tough yet flexible bands of tissue that connect bones, providing support and stability to the joint. Though strong, they are not invulnerable. If they take too much stress, knee ligaments may become stretched or torn. Injuries are categorized based on which knee ligament has been damaged:

Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL) Tear

The anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) controls the knee’s rotation. Injuries occur when the knee suddenly and forcibly twists. This is often due to sports, especially ones that require sudden stops or changes of direction. ACL tears are common in soccer, lacrosse, and basketball.

Posterior Cruciate Ligament (PCL) Tear

The posterior cruciate ligament (PCL) keeps the knee from overextending. Injuries occur when the knee takes too much force, such as from a fall or a bad landing after a jump. Football tackles are frequent causes. PCL tears may also be the result of a car accident.

Medial Collateral Ligament (MCL) Tear

The medial collateral ligament (MCL) supports the inside of the knee. Injuries occur when the knee is impacted by a powerful blow from the side. These injuries are common in sports such as football, hockey, or rugby.

Lateral Collateral Ligament (LCL) Tear

The lateral collateral ligament (LCL) supports the outside of the knee. MCL injuries happen when the knee is forced to bend outward abnormally. Sudden twisting or bending movements are often responsible, such as a soccer player changing direction or a basketball player landing after a jump.

Knee Ligament Injury Symptoms

Knee ligament injuries usually occur suddenly and without any warning or buildup. When they do, symptoms are often immediate. When sustaining a knee ligament injury, individuals may experience:

  • A loud snap or pop when the injury takes place
  • Pain that is often extreme
  • Swelling within the first 24 hours
  • A loose feeling within the joint
  • Inability to put weight on the knee

Individuals may experience symptoms differently. For example, one person may feel severe pain and swelling, while another person experiences no pain at all but can no longer put weight on their knee without buckling. The difference depends on the degree of injury and which ligament is affected.

basketball player shooting, which can lead to a knee ligament injury
football player being tackled ball, which can lead to a knee ligament injury

Causes and Risk Factors

Most knee ligament injuries are caused by sudden, unnatural movements or by the knee taking more force than it can handle. Sports and vehicle accidents are the most common causes. Sports like soccer, football, and basketball come with a risk of injury for anybody involved. Certain factors, however, may increase an athlete’s risk of getting hurt, including:

  • Wearing inappropriate or poorly fitting footwear
  • Not wearing appropriate safety equipment
  • Participating in sports without warming up beforehand
  • Rapidly increasing the intensity of training or exercise
  • Not varying a workout or training routine

Diagnosing a Knee Ligament Injury

If a person experiences a knee injury, their first step should be to visit their primary care physician or an urgent care center. The doctor will perform a preliminary assessment to determine the degree of injury. This may involve a physical exam, as well as questions about the symptoms and how the injury occurred.

Afterward, the patient may be referred to a specialist such as Southlake Orthopaedics. We will use additional tests to confirm the diagnosis. Image testing such as magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and X-ray scans can provide a clear image of the bones and connective tissue. This lets us rule out other types of injury, such as a broken bone or kneecap. It also helps us form a clearer understanding of the damage.

basketball players defending ball, which might lead to diagnosing a knee ligament injury

Treatment Options for Knee Ligament Injuries

Treatments for an injured knee ligament can vary greatly. Our team at Southlake Orthopaedics carefully considers every aspect before recommending a treatment plan:

  • Which ligament is injured
  • The severity of the injury
  • How long the patient has experienced symptoms
  • Whether the pain interferes with everyday life
  • Whether the patient is at risk of re-injury

Depending on the above factors, treatments range from conservative methods to surgery. Approaches we employ at Southlake Orthopaedics include:

  • RICE (rest, ice, compression, and elevation) method
  • Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)
  • Assistive devices, like crutches, to take weight off the knee
  • Immobilization using a knee brace
  • Physical therapy or rehabilitation
  • Orthopedic surgery to repair or rebuild the ligament

Find Treatment for Knee Injuries in Alabama

If somebody has recently sustained a knee ligament injury, trust Southlake Orthopaedics. All sports medicine is administered by a multi-specialty team of board-certified physicians, including:

These experienced physicians help patients achieve less pain, more living, through a comprehensive approach to care that covers every phase from diagnosis to rehabilitation. Our offices are located in Birmingham-Grandview and Hoover, AL. Contact us to learn more about our knee injury treatments or to schedule an appointment for diagnosis.