What are the ligaments of the knee?

Ligaments are structures that connect bone to bone and help limit movement. There are 4 ligaments found within the knee called: 

  • Anterior cruciate ligament (ACL): runs from the top of the shin bone to the bottom of the thigh bone, over the PCL.  

  • Posterior cruciate ligament (PCL): runs from the bottom of the thigh bone to the top of the shin bone. 

  • Medial cruciate ligament (MCL): runs from the side of the thigh bone to the side of the shin bone (on the inner side of the thigh) 

  • Lateral cruciate ligament (LCL): runs from the side of the thigh bone to the head of the small shin bone (on the outer side).

What are the main causes of ligament injury?

These ligaments help limit movement between the two bones they connect. However, sometimes excessive forces can surpass their threshold, leading to injury. Some movements that can damage these ligaments are: 

  • Rapidly changing direction (cutting in sport) 

  • Excessively straightening your knee (i.e. getting hit in the knee from the front) 

  • Getting hit in the knee from the outside 

  • Getting hit in the knee from the inside

  • Sudden twisting motion  

Single or multiple ligaments can get involved during trauma, however, the meniscus is also commonly damaged since they are in close proximity.

The Unhappy Triad: this is when the ACL, MCL, and medial meniscus are injured due to a lateral (from the outside) blow to the knee.

What are the symptoms of a ligamentous injury?

The symptoms depend on the severity of the injury, which is usually graded in 3 levels.

  • Grade I (Mild): Ligament has stretched but did not tear 

  • Grade II (Moderate): Ligament is partially torn

  • Grade III (Severe): Ligament is completely torn. Will commonly hear a “popping” noise followed by bleeding in the joint. 

The common symptoms of a ligamentous injury include: 

  • Redness and Swelling 

  • Decreased range of motion 

  • Pain while weight bearing 

  • Inability to weight bear 

  • Feeling of looseness in the knee.

How can I resolve my knee ligament injury?

The duration of pain can vary from person to person.  We will try our best to speed up your recovery process and get you back to doing the activities you love.  At the Active Relief Centre, we place an emphasis on assessment and finding out exactly which ligaments you have injured and how severely. This allows us to be more specific with your treatment and provide you with rehabilitation exercises specific to your case or referral to a surgeon. Contact one of our clinics today and make us a part of your road to recovery.