How physiotherapy can help knee ligament injuries
Knee ligament injuries can happen to anyone, whether you're an athlete, a fitness enthusiast, or simply going about your daily activities. In this blog, we simplify the complexities of knee ligament injuries, exploring causes, symptoms, and initial steps for recovery.
Vital ligamentous structures in and around the knee include the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL), posterior cruciate ligament (PCL), medial collateral ligament (MCL), and lateral collateral ligament (LCL). Whether from sports, daily activities, or accidents, understanding injuries to these ligaments is important for recovery. The ACL, often prone to tears during abrupt movements, and the MCL, vulnerable to twisting motions, are most frequently affected.
What are the causes of ligament injuries?
Delving into knee ligament injuries requires an appreciation for the crucial functions of the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL), posterior cruciate ligament (PCL), medial collateral ligament (MCL), and lateral collateral ligament (LCL). The ACL acts as a stabiliser, preventing excessive forward movement and rotation. Meanwhile, the PCL counteracts backward displacement, ensuring overall joint stability. The MCL and LCL contribute to side-to-side stability, safeguarding against undesirable lateral movements.
The anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) is often at risk for athletes involved in sports with abrupt stops, jumps, or changes in direction. Posterior cruciate ligament (PCL) injuries are more common in vehicle accidents, when falling on a bent knee or extending the knee beyond its limit. MCL injuries, common in sports, occur due to twisting motions, while LCL injuries often result from an impact on the outside of the knee often seen in sports with frequent pivoting.
What to look out for with a ligament injury?
An ACL injury may manifest as a popping sound, swelling, and instability. PCL injuries often present with pain, swelling, and difficulty when putting weight through the leg. MCL injuries present with tenderness on the inside of the knee, swelling, and a feeling of instability. LCL injuries may cause outer knee pain and instability.
The signs and symptoms vary greatly based on the location and severity of the injury. It is crucial to have this checked out by your healthcare professional.
How are knee ligament injuries treated?
Knee ligament injuries require tailored treatment approaches for optimal recovery. Initial management often involves rest, ice, compression, and elevation (R.I.C.E.) to alleviate swelling and pain. Physiotherapy plays a crucial role, focusing on strengthening exercises and rehabilitation specific to each ligament. In some cases, surgical intervention may be recommended, particularly for severe ACL or PCL injuries based on the finding of a scan.
How serious is a knee ligament injury?
The seriousness of a knee ligament tear is determined by its grade. Typically, a grade 1 tear tends to heal well with conservative management, while a grade 2 or 3 tear is more critical and may necessitate surgical treatment.
The challenge lies in the fact that even if a ligament heals, it might not regain its original strength, compromising the stability of the knee and increasing susceptibility to further injuries. Physiotherapy can help regain stability and strength.
Can Ligament Tears Heal Naturally?
Grade 1 and 2 tears have the potential for self-healing, as the ligament remains intact. They do require conservative management rather than surgical management. Conversely, a grade 3 tear, involving a complete rupture, has limited self-healing capacity. For ACL, PCL, or LCL tears, especially in activities involving twisting and turning, surgical intervention may be necessary. The MCL, being the most stable ligament, usually does not require surgical repair due to its robust attachment to the bone along its course.
Recovery Timeline for Torn Ligaments
As a general guideline:
Grade 1 tear: 4-6 weeks for healing
Grade 2 tear: 6-10 weeks for recovery
Grade 3 tear often requires surgery
The reality is that each knee ligament has distinct healing times and rehabilitation protocols based on its specific functions and the nature of the injury. Be sure to seek help from your healthcare professional.
How can physiotherapy help knee ligament injuries?
We design targeted exercises and rehabilitation techniques to work on strength, flexibility, and stability in the affected ligaments both pre- and post- surgery. For ACL injuries, we focus on restoring balance and agility, while PCL rehabilitation works on posterior stability. MCL and LCL injuries benefit from exercises promoting side-to-side stability.
At First Line Physio, our team focuses on improving your overall well-being and performance by addressing the underlying causes of your symptoms. We work to identify and treat ligament injuries, creating customized rehabilitation plans to not only alleviate pain but also enhance your overall functionality.
The main focus of the rehab will be to,
Enhancing the Mobility of the Knee Joint: We work towards improving flexibility and range of motion for optimal knee function.
Easing Pain and Discomfort: Through targeted interventions, our goal is to reduce pain associated with ligament injuries, using several hands on and electrotherapy techniques.
Reinforcing Joint Stability: Our programs concentrate on strengthening ligaments to improve overall joint stability, reducing the risk of future injuries.
Coordinating Muscle Action: We ensure seamless coordination among foot, knee, and hip muscles for smooth day-to-day and sporting movements.
Assisting in Physical Activities: Whether it's running, walking, climbing stairs, or cycling, we guide you to perform these activities with confidence and ease.
Enhancing Balance: Strengthening knee muscles contributes to better balance, promoting stability in various situations.
Elevating Sporting Performance: Our personalized programs are designed to enhance your athletic capabilities, enabling you to return to sports safely.
This is absolutely not written to substitute medical advice and it is always important to see a qualified health care professional for a formal diagnosis.