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A sprained or torn knee ligament

A knee ligament can stretch or tear after a twist, fall, sporting collision or hard blow. The anterior cruciate ligament (ACL), posterior cruciate ligament (PCL), medial collateral ligament (MCL) or lateral collateral ligament (LCL) may be affected. Symptoms include pain, swelling, instability, the knee giving way and sometimes a pop or an immediate sense that something went wrong. Not every injury is immediately life-threatening, but a locked knee, major swelling after trauma, a cold or pale lower leg, tingling or being unable to bear weight need prompt assessment.

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  • A knee ligament can sprain or tear through twisting, a fall, a hard collision or stopping and turning suddenly during sport.
  • The main knee ligaments are the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL), posterior cruciate ligament (PCL), medial collateral ligament (MCL) and lateral collateral ligament (LCL).
  • Pain, swelling, a feeling of instability and the knee giving way are typical symptoms.
  • Rapid significant swelling, inability to bear weight, locking or a cold, pale or tingling lower leg need prompt assessment.
  • Cooling and reducing strain help initially, but forcing walking, turning or sport often increases damage.

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Knee problemsKnee problems can result from overuse, a twist, wear and tear, irritation around the kneecap or a meniscus or ligament injury, but sometimes from an infection, thrombosis or fracture. The location of pain, how swelling develops and whether you can still bear weight give important clues. A warm red knee with fever, a painful swollen calf, obvious deformity after trauma or inability to bear weight need prompt assessment. Not every knee problem is an emergency, but recurring or unexplained symptoms deserve a clear explanation and examination.
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Sprained ankleIn an ankle sprain, one or more ankle ligaments stretch or tear when the foot unexpectedly rolls. Pain, swelling and bruising are common, but a fracture, tendon injury or dislocation may look similar. Protect the ankle and cool it briefly, build up weight-bearing and exercises in good time, and have severe pain, deformity or poor circulation assessed immediately.
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Sports injuriesA sports injury may happen suddenly after a fall or twist, or develop gradually through overuse. Severe pain, deformity, numbness, inability to bear weight or head and neck symptoms need assessment.