Knee Ligament Tears
What causes Knee Ligament Tears?
Also known as ligament injuries or sprains, ligament tears are common knee injuries frequently seen in athletes. They’re generally caused by one or more of the following:
- Sudden pivoting or cutting movements
- Rapid changes in direction
- Sudden stops while running or sprinting
- Landing awkwardly from a jump
- Direct impact or collision to the knee
- Hyperextension of the knee joint
- Twisting the knee while the foot is planted
- Contact sports injuries
- Overstretching of the ligament during activity
- Traumatic impact or injury
Symptoms of Knee Ligament Tears
Symptoms of a knee ligament tear can vary depending on the severity of the injury. But they often appear suddenly after a twisting movement, fall, or sports-related impact. Common signs are listed below.
- Popping sensation at the time of injury
- Pain in or around the knee joint
- Rapid swelling
- Knee instability or the feeling that the knee may give out]
- Difficulty bearing weight on the affected leg
- Reduced range of motion
- Stiffness in the knee
- Tenderness along the ligament area
- Bruising around the knee
- Difficulty walking or changing direction
Diagnosing Knee Ligament Tears
The Orthohealing Center is committed to providing patients with a conclusive diagnosis of their condition or injury. To do this, an initial physical and verbal intake will be conducted. During this process, patients are asked how the injury was sustained and about the severity, duration, and frequency of symptoms. The affected area is examined for tender areas / pain, reflexes, strength, and range of motion. We frequently order advanced imaging such as ultrasound or MRI to assess baseline status and monitor treatment results.
Nonsurgical Treatment for Knee Ligament Tears
Many ligament injuries can be treated without surgery, particularly when the tear is mild to moderate, or when the joint remains relatively stable. Nonsurgical care focuses on reducing inflammation, restoring stability, and supporting the body’s natural healing process. With a comprehensive array of advanced approaches to address ligament tears, the Orthohealing Center uses ultrasound-guidance to deliver treatment directly to the injury or its surrounding structures. This sophisticated approach helps ensure the orthobiologic treatment reaches the tissue that needs healing.
We may recommend one or a combination of the following nonsurgical therapies for a ligament tear:
