How to diagnose a knee ligament injury?

If you’ve recently injured your knee, don’t worry – it’s probably just karma for all those times you skipped leg day. But in all seriousness, a knee ligament injury can be very painful and debilitating. It’s important to know how to diagnose this type of injury so that you can get the proper treatment.

The Anatomy of the Knee

Before we dive into diagnosing knee injuries, let’s take a moment to appreciate the complexity and beauty of human anatomy. Our knees are truly remarkable joints that allow us to perform activities such as running, jumping, and breaking out our outdated dance moves from middle school dances.

The knee is made up of several components, including bones (femur, tibia, fibula), cartilage (meniscus), tendons (patellar tendon), and ligaments (ACL, PCL MCL LCL). Of these components,ligaments are responsible for connecting bone to bone. These structures help stabilize the joint and prevent excessive movements that could result in an injury.

Types of Ligament Injuries

Now that we have some appreciation for the intricate mechanics of our knees,
let’s talk about what happens when things go wrong with our ligaments.
There are many types of knee ligament injuries, but they generally fall into two categories:

Sprains

A sprain occurs when a ligament is stretched beyond its normal range or torn partially.Typically they’re classified based on their severity ranging I-III.

Tears

As contrary by name,a tear rupture means complete detachment which might require surgery.

Here are common names given based on specific part being damaged:

  • Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL)

  • Posterior Cruciate Ligament(PCL)

  • Medial Collateral Ligamenet(MCL)

  • Lateral CollateralLigamenet(LCL)

These names will come handy when talking about the symptoms and recovery of the injury.

Symptoms Of Knee Ligament Tear

As you might imagine,the symptoms of a knee ligament injury can be quite severe. Here are some common signs that indicate you may have injured your knee:

Swelling

This occurs when the body sends blood or other fluids to an area in need for healing ,as damage accumulates so does swelling becoming more apparent.

Stiffness

Swelling leads to stiff joints, which in turn cause restricted movement and inability with pain while moving.

Pain

Pain usually comes with swelling initially as it forms inflammation response while tears lead to acute sharp pains rendering the affected limb futile.

Pop/ Snap Noise

Uncharacteristic popping sound during trauma indicates rupture.

Keep note these symptoms overlap each other making identification bit tricky.
Consulting a medical professional Is vital as they provide definitive diagnosis,better safe than sorry.

Now we’ve identified possible key things one must take into consideration before seeking medical advice but don’t worry I’m not letting go bruuh!

Diagnosing a Knee Ligament Injury

After suspecting any sign of symptom,it is time to seek out professionals if anything close on this list could please calling Dr. Mc.Feely then do timely:
Primary care physicians
Physical therapists
Orthopedic surgeon/specialist

It’s worth noting proper validation shall follow joint examination where,
medial&lateral collateral ligaments are inspected by pressure motivated movements(MCMURRAY TEST). With anterior & posterior cruciate being typically evaluated first through computerised,topographic assessments where stability levels of limbo bones relative positions are minutely scanned such motion/scanning techniques include Arthrometry, MRI,Pivot shift test. In case extreme forced twist at added angles led injury ,doctors carry required radiography diagnosis.

Furthermore,It is important to share any possible particulars of injury including the symptoms afflicting and circumstances at occurrence.

Prevention Is Better Than Cure–Ranting And Extras

To finish things off, I’d like to emphasize that prevention is always better than cure.It’s important for us as humans to take care of our bodies by regularly exercising and ensuring we’re maintaining a healthy diet.Lockdown may have sprayed rust on your routine , use this opportunity of down time on rectification. If exercise isn’t your cuppa tea include stretching out in daily activities(Mindfully taking up postures).Additionally,certain sports demand proper protection wear (Hockey,Basket ball) . Safety comes first !!
Conclusively,every initial problem won’t be detected early but keeping tabs can lead toward quick recovery if diagnosis or/and treatment starts before it aggrevates.Finally,patience and good support system during such times are highly essential ingredient in regaining health back!

Keep moving, seek professional help when needed,and stay safe, my friends.

If you made it till here,you are truly awesome!

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