Knee Ligament Injuries affect ligaments and other structures within the knee, which can cause pain and reduce mobility.
Knee Ligament Injuries Treatment
At Vitalis Physiotherapy, our treatment for knee ligament injuries aim to:
What are knee ligament injuries?
Knee ligament injuries vary from person to person and are caused by damage to the ligaments around the knee. This often causes the affected area to become inflamed or irritated, resulting in a myriad of painful and somewhat debilitating symptoms.
There are four main ligaments in the knee – anterior cruciate ligament (ACL), posterior cruciate ligament (PCL), medial collateral ligament (MCL) and lateral collateral ligament (LCL). These provide stability and strength to the knee, and connect to the femur (thighbone) to the tibia (shin bone).
Types of Knee Ligament Injuries
There are many different types of knee ligament injuries, including:
- Controls forward movement of the tibia
- Most common knee ligament injury
- Due to sudden twisting motion
- Controls backward movement of the tibia (shin)
- Most common knee ligament injury in a motor vehicle accident, usually due to the knee hitting the dash.
- Provides stability to the medial (inner) side of the knee
- Most common collateral ligament injury, usually due to a sudden force
- Provides stability to the lateral or outer side of the knee
- Another common collateral ligament injury, usually due to a stretch or tear
What can cause Knee Ligament Injuries?
The type, location and severity of knee ligament injuries vary, as do the cause and symptoms. However, there are general risk factors which may leave you susceptible to developing or worsening a knee condition.
Some risk factors can include:
- Repetitive rotating/bending movements
- Traumatic injuries – e.g., motor vehicle accidents, falls, etc.
- Sudden force to the knee
- Lifestyle choices – e.g., minimal activity, obesity, etc.
- Differential or pre-existing diagnoses of knee conditions
What are the symptoms?
General symptoms of knee ligament injuries can include:
- Pain in both the affected and/or surrounding area of injury
- Muscle spasms, weakness and/or fatigue
- Nerve pain (pins & needles, tingling, sharp pain, decreased sensation)
- Worsened pain with movement and/or inactivity
- Reduced range of movement
- Poor stability, balance and strength
- Swelling and inflammation
- Co-morbid or differential diagnoses of other knee injuries/conditions
Treatment for Knee Ligament Injuries
If you are experiencing pain in or around your knee, it is important that you see a medical professional to rule out any differential diagnoses. You may be referred for scans to accurately determine diagnosis.
Physical therapy is greatly beneficial at restoring movement, reducing pain and promoting healing. At Vitalis Physiotherapy, we tailor a unique treatment plan to aid in your recovery through:
- Soft tissue mobilisations (massage)
- Stretching exercises
- Restoring range of movement
- Postural improvement
- Shockwave therapy
- Dry needling
- Taping
- Pre- & Post-Surgery rehabilitation
- A unique home exercise program
- Graded Exposure to load program
Your physiotherapist may also advise heat or ice application, rest and if necessary, pain medication. Additionally, they might recommend for you to use knee support (braces), custom foot orthotics, or supportive footwear.
How to book an appointment?
If you have a knee ligament injury, or you’re looking for a ‘physiotherapist near me’, our physios at Vitalis Physiotherapy can assess your condition to tailor a unique rehabilitation plan to aid in your pain relief and recovery.
All you need to do is just give us a call on 0410 559 856 and request an initial appointment. Please let our friendly reception staff know the background and severity of your condition.
You can visit our FAQs for more information about appointments at Vitalis Physiotherapy.
Need Help?
Are you in pain caused by a knee ligament injury? Contact Vitalis Physiotherapy now to book in your treatment.
Call our friendly team on 0410 559 856. We’d love to help.