Knowing Your Knee Ligaments
Often when you hear the knee ligaments named, it is in reference to knee injuries suffered by professional athletes (i.e. “player done for season with torn ACL”).
Athletes, aren’t the only ones who damage knee ligaments. They also aren’t the only ones who can benefit from physical therapy to rehab the joint.
What are the knee ligament joints?
There are four ligaments that hold the knee joint together. The two collateral ligaments provide stability on the outside of the knee along its two sides.
The lateral collateral ligament (LCL) runs along the outside of the knee. This includes the left-hand side of the left knee and right-hand side of the right. The medial collateral ligament (MCL) runs opposite it on the inside portion of the knee.
Then two ligaments cross deep inside the knee connecting the femur (thigh bone) to the tibia (shin bone). The anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) crosses in front of the posterior collateral ligament (PCL). It then connects toward the front of the tibia.
How the Injuries Happen
While all knee ligament injuries can occur for a variety of reasons, ACL injuries are the most likely to be non-contact injuries.
They are often seen in sports that involve cutting, like football, soccer or basketball.
PCL injuries, however, are more commonly caused by some trauma to the legs forcing the shin backward in relation to the thigh bone. This could be anything from landing on your knees on bent legs to the force of an automobile accident.
LCL and MCL injuries involve the knee being either pushed to the inside (MCL) or the outside (LCL).
Physical Therapy Treatment Options
Surgery will be needed for some knee injuries but not for others, and both the time frame for treatment and some of the specifics will be different depending on if your injury requires surgery.
In general, however, the physical therapist will work with you in two areas. The first is in adaptations you must make to prevent aggravating the injury while the knee is still healing. The other is in exercises to help assist in the healing process.
In general, these exercises will focus on a combination of regaining a normal range of motion in the joint as well as strengthening the surrounding muscles to provide stability.
Contact Us Today To Schedule an Appointment
If you have suffered a knee injury, Comprehensive Rehab in Clinton and Maquoketa can assist in your recovery. Contact Us to schedule an assessment.
Read More About Physical Therapy for Knee Injuries
ACL Tear – Building Positive Outcomes with Physical Therapy