KNEE SURGERY GLASGOW
Knee Ligament Injuries
What are knee ligament injuries?
Knee ligaments are strong bands of tissue that connect bones and help stabilise the knee joint. Injuries occur when these ligaments are stretched or torn, often due to sports, sudden twisting, or direct impact. Damage may be partial or complete, leading to pain, swelling, and reduced stability in the knee.
General overview
A ligament injury in the knee usually causes pain, swelling, and stiffness. The joint may feel unstable or “give way.” Recovery depends on the severity of the injury—simple sprains may improve within six weeks, while more severe ligament tears may take several months. Early treatment and appropriate rehabilitation are key to preventing long-term problems.
What are the symptoms of Knee ligament injuries?
Pain and swelling soon after the injury
Stiffness and difficulty bending or straightening the knee
Bruising around the joint
A feeling of instability or the knee “giving way”
Difficulty walking or weight-bearing
In severe cases, the knee may lock or block movement
Seek medical attention urgently if the knee becomes very swollen, red, hot, or if the calf is painful or swollen
How do you treat Knee ligament injuries?
Some knee ligament injuries can be initially managed with self-care and physiotherapy. The recommended first steps follow the PRICE method:
Protection – Use a bandage, brace, or crutches if needed.
Rest – Avoid pain-provoking activities for 24–48 hours (or longer for more severe injuries).
Ice – Apply ice packs within 5–10 minutes of injury, for up to 20 minutes every 2–3 hours.
Compression – Use a breathable bandage to limit swelling.
Elevation – Keep the leg raised to reduce swelling.
One of the keys to successful management of knee ligament injuries lies in early diagnosis. MRI scanning is the gold standard for diagnosis in these injuries.
Rehabilitation:
Gentle exercises help restore movement, strength, and stability. Physiotherapy focuses on muscle strengthening (especially the quadriceps) and range-of-motion work. Gradual return to walking and activity is encouraged.
Your Recovery:
Recovery can vary significantly depending on the clinical situation. Early specialist input is valuable to guide return to sport. Surgery may be required for significant ligament injuries (especially ACL injuries in active patients), but more minor sprains may recover with non-surgical management.
