What Is a Knee Ligament Sprain?
A knee ligament sprain is an injury from a tear or stretch of the ligaments in and around the knee. Ligaments are string-like bands that connect bones for the stability of the joints. A knee ligament sprain is painful and causes other problems, including arthritis. There are four major types of ligaments in the knee. The ligaments connect bones to each other in order to give strength and stability to the joint. These four knee ligaments connect the femur (thighbone) to the tibia (shin bone). The ligaments are as follows:
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Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL) - Anterior cruciate ligament is in the center of the knee. This ligament controls the forward movement of the shin bone along with the rotation. ACL usually sprains, during a sudden twist, stop or change in the joint's direction or direct impact to the outer side of the knee, extreme over-straightening. These types of injuries are observed among athletes in basketball, football, soccer, wrestling, rugby, skiing, and gymnastics.
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Posterior Cruciate Ligament (PCL) - Posterior cruciate ligament is in the back of the knee. This ligament helps to control the backward movement of the shin bone. This is the most common type of knee injury among those who play basketball, rugby, football, and soccer. PCL works with ACL in stabilizing the knee.
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Medial Collateral Ligament (MCL) - Medial collateral ligament helps to provide stability to the inner knee. MCL can be injured when a severe knee twists during wrestling and skiing, especially when a fall twists the lower leg outwards.
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Lateral Collateral Ligament (LCL) - The lateral collateral ligament connects the thigh bone to the fibula. The lateral collateral ligament helps to provide stability to the outer knee.
What Are the Symptoms of Knee Ligament Sprain?
The symptoms of knee ligament sprain are:
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Swelling of the knee.
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Weakness.
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Buckling.
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Pain.
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Pooping.
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Stiffness of the joint.
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Tenderness.
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Instability.
What Are the Causes of Knee Ligament Sprain?
When any activity that forces the knee out of its natural position causes a sprain in the knee. The anterior cruciate ligament is often injured while playing sports like soccer, football, basketball, running, and gymnastics. It can also occur if your knee is over-straightened. The posterior cruciate ligament in car accidents. Falling or tripping on the knee can also cause posterior cruciate ligament. The lateral collateral ligament is sprained when there is an injury to the inner side of the knee. The medial collateral ligament sprain is caused when something hits your leg from a fall that causes the lower leg to twist outward of the thigh.
How Is Knee Ligament Sprain Diagnosed?
The diagnosis of a sprained knee requires a complete medical history and physical examination. The diagnostic procedures include the following:
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Physical Examination: A physical examination is an important part of the diagnostic procedure. The physician will evaluate the ligaments of the knee and assess the severity of the injury.
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X-Ray: X-Ray uses invisible electromagnetic beams to produce images of the internal organs and bones onto the film to rule out an injury to the bone.
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Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI): MRI is a diagnostic test that uses a combination of radiofrequency, large magnets, and a computer to produce detailed images.
What Is the Treatment of Knee Ligament Sprain?
Knee injury causes significant swelling and pain within a few seconds. Therefore, a complete medical evaluation is necessary to determine the severity of the injury. Immediate treatment for a suspected knee sprain includes anti-inflammatory medications and the RICE method as follows:
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Rest: Rest is very important during any type of injury. Resting the affected joint minimizes the damage to the joint and the risk of further injury.
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Ice Pack: An ice pack available online or a cold compress wrapped in a towel can be applied to the knee for 15 to 20 minutes in intervals. Icing the joints helps to reduce swelling.
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Compression: An elasticized bandage can be wrapped around the knee as it will reduce inflammation. It will provide mild compression of the joint. Avoid wrapping the bandage tightly, as it can be painful and will cut off circulation.
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Elevation: The affected knee should be elevated with a pillow or any other object, preventing blood pooling and reducing swelling.
Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications such as Ibuprofen may be given to reduce the swelling in the affected knee.
Non-Surgical Methods Include
Physical Therapy: Physical therapy is necessary to treat sprained knees. The therapy will involve a set of exercises to strengthen the knee along with activities that restore and increase the flexibility of the knee. The two main components of physical therapy include:
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Weight Training: The physical therapist will ask the patients to lift small weights in repetitive sets. The exercises will include weighted braces, resistance bands, and equipment involving knee joints. With time the amount of weight and the reparations will increase.
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Stretching for Flexibility: The therapist will include stretching exercises. The length and intensity of physical therapy will depend upon various factors such as medical history, age, and severity of the knee sprain.
Surgery for Knee Ligament Sprain:
In cases of a severe knee sprain, surgery might be necessary to repair the damaged ligaments. In grade 3, ligament injury surgery is recommended. Knee ligament repair is done arthroscopically. It is the minimally invasive approach. A small incision on the front and back side of the knee and running a miniature camera inside the leg. The camera will help to assess the extent of the damage to the knee. Once the surgery has been completed, a small tool will be inserted into the knee in order to repair and remove the damaged tissue.
Conclusion
A knee sprain is an injury to any of the ligaments that are present around the knee. When a knee sprain is suspected, specialized tests and careful examination is necessary for optimal treatment.
