Knee Injury FAQs

1. What are some of the symptoms of knee injuries?

2. What treatment is recommended for minor knee injuries?

3. What is the recommended treatment for a more serious knee injury?

4. What is the medial collateral ligament?

5. What is the anterior cruciate ligament?

6. What is the posterior cruciate ligament?

7. What is the lateral collateral ligament?

8. What is the most common injury associated with sports?

1. What are some of the symptoms of knee injuries?
Symptoms of knee injury may include:

• pain and tenderness
• immediate swelling
• an unstable knee, with difficulty in walking
• the knee locking during movement

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2. What treatment is recommended for minor knee injuries?
The first aid treatment for knee injuries is the same whichever ligament is injured. Follow the RICE procedure:

• Rest the injury by avoiding movement of the affected joint.
• Ice packs applied to the knee to reduce swelling.
• Compress the joint by bandaging it, firmly but not too tightly.
• Elevate the knee, supported above your heart, especially at night while sleeping.

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3. What is the recommended treatment for a more serious knee injury?
If surgery is not required, physiotherapy can help speed recovery. A structured program of rehabilitation, supervised by a physiotherapist or doctor specializing in sports medicine is likely to best ensure the quickest and most complete recovery.

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4. What is the medial collateral ligament?
The medial collateral ligament is located on the inside of the knee and is taut when the leg is straightened. It is a strong ligament but can be sprained or completely torn (ruptured) when the straightened leg is twisted at the same time as being knocked sideways.

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5. What is the anterior cruciate ligament?
The anterior cruciate ligament joins the back of the inside of the thighbone to the outside front of the shinbone. The anterior cruciate ligament is about half the strength of the medial collateral ligament and is the most commonly injured ligament in sports-related accidents.

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6. What is the posterior cruciate ligament?
The posterior cruciate ligament joins the inside of the end of the thighbone to the back of the shinbone. With the anterior cruciate ligament, it forms a cross-shape and helps to stabilize the front to back knee movements.

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7. What is the lateral collateral ligament?
The lateral collateral ligament is on the outside of the knee. It is rarely injured on its own but may need to be surgically repaired at the same time as other ligaments. Damage to this ligament causes pain and swelling on the outside edge of the knee.

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8. What is the most common injury associated with sports?
A sprained knee is one of the most common sporting injuries. It happens when the knee receives an impact or is moved beyond its normal range of movement. This can occur as a result of a fall or when landing awkwardly.

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For more information, please see our Knee Injury Page

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