The Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL), Posterior Cruciate Ligament (PCL), Lateral Cruciate Ligament (LCL), and Medial Cruciate Ligament (MCL) hold the knee joint together. Any of these ligaments can be damaged or torn, causing pain and instability in the knee. These injuries, which are common in athletes, occur most often due to excess force on the knee joint.
Symptoms
- A loud pop in the knee at the time of injury
- Swelling of the knee immediately after sustaining the injury
- Restriction of movement in the knee joint
- Extensive pain after the injury occurs
Treatment
- Basic first aid to stabilize the knee and reduce swelling
- Physical rehabilitation program
- Reconstructive surgery
- Arthroscopic surgery
