Ligament Injury

Ligaments are the fibrous tissue that connect bone to bone. There are four main ligaments in the knee that are most prone to injury, the job of each is to provide stability in various directions. These are: anterior cruciate ligament, posterior cruciate ligament, lateral collateral ligament and medial collateral ligament.

An injury to the knee may result in either a sprained or ruptured ligament. Treatment for a knee ligament injury will be determined by a number of factors including which ligament is injured and to what extent, your occupation and level of participation in sport.

What causes a ligament injury?

An injury of this kind is usually the result of a significant impact or force and is therefore most commonly sustained during contact sport such as football or rugby, skiing/snowboarding or a road traffic accident. The ligament is stretched beyond its’ usual limits causing either a sprain or in more severe cases a tear or complete rupture.

What are the symptoms of a ligament injury?

The main symptoms of a ligament injury tend to be similar regardless of which ligament is affected. However you would expect more severe symptoms with a torn ligament.

Symptoms may include one or more of the following:

Swelling around the knee
A popping or snapping sound/sensation if the ligament is torn
Pain in the knee
Tenderness to touch on or around the injured ligament
Reduced range of movement of the knee
A feeling of instability or giving way of the knee joint
Difficulty walking

Physiotherapy treatment for a ligament injury

Following your injury physiotherapy treatment should be commenced as early as possible to promote a speedy recovery.

Our specialist physiotherapists will undertake a thorough assessment to establish the extent of your injury. We will work with you to develop a specific treatment plan to assist you in returning to your sport and functional activities quickly & confidently.   Physiotherapy treatment at Cleethorpes Physio Clinic may include: