Knee Ligament Injuries

Knee ligament injuries affect the bands of tissue that connect the bones and provide stability to the joint. They can range from a mild stretch to the rupture of a ligament, and they usually occur from sudden movements or impacts.

Common symptoms:

• Pain and swelling that appear after the incident
• A sense of instability or that the knee "gives way"
• Difficulty bearing weight or moving the joint

Common causes: Common in sports activities, forced twists, falls, or direct blows.

Which specialist treats it? The orthopedist or orthopedic trauma specialist evaluates the injury, and physical therapy usually supports recovery; in children the pediatric orthopedist takes part. If after a blow or twist the knee remains unstable or very painful, the prudent thing is to seek an evaluation.