- Collateral ligaments: The MCL (medial collateral ligament) is located on the inside of the knee, while the LCL (lateral collateral ligament) is located on the outside of the knee. These knee ligaments may be injured by a force to the side of the knee.
- Cruciate ligaments: these ligaments, as the name suggests are arranged in the shape of a cross relative to each other. The ACL (anterior cruciate ligament) is placed in front while the PCL (posterior cruciate ligament) is situated behind the ACL. ACL injuries are much more common than PCL injuries and are usually a non contact injury. Patients often describe a popping sensation in the knee followed by immediate pain and swelling.
Assessment at IONA Physiotherapy will include specific tests to help determine if you have injured one of these knee ligaments.
Treatment may include advice regarding control of swelling, exercises to strengthen the muscles around your knee to maximise stability, advice regarding taping or use of a knee brace, balance retraining and rehabilitation that is tailored to your sport. Referral to an orthopaedic surgeon and an MRI of your knee may be required.
Depending of the extent of the injury and your level of activity, sometimes surgery is advisable and you will need to attend physiotherapy after your surgery.
