Knee Ligament Sprains

Cruciate Ligaments Injuries| Collateral Ligaments Injuries

A knee ligament sprain refers to an injury to one or more ligaments in the knee, which are tough bands of tissue that connect bones to bones. These ligaments are crucial for providing stability to the knee joint and facilitating movement. The severity of the sprain can range from mild ligament strains to complete tears, and this condition is more common among athletes and those engaged in physical activities.

Structures of the Knee

Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL): The ACL primarily prevents the tibia (shinbone) from moving forward relative to the femur (thigh bone) and provides stability to the knee joint.
Posterior Cruciate Ligament (PCL): The PCL’s main function is to prevent the tibia from moving backward relative to the femur, ensuring the stability of the knee joint.
Medial Collateral Ligament (MCL): The MCL is located on the inner side of the knee joint and primarily prevents the knee from opening excessively outward or moving sideways, providing lateral stability.
Lateral Collateral Ligament (LCL): The LCL is located on the outer side of the knee joint and primarily prevents the knee from opening excessively inward or moving sideways.
Medial Meniscus: Increases stability, buffers and absorbs shock, distributes load, and promotes lubrication.
Lateral Meniscus: Increases stability, buffers and absorbs shock, distributes load, and promotes lubrication.

Causes of Knee Ligament Sprain

Trauma or Injury: Direct impact to the knee during contact sports (such as American football, basketball, or soccer) can lead to sprains.
Twisting Movements: Sudden changes in direction or improper landings can put excessive stress on the knee ligaments.
Overextension: Overextension of the knee joint can cause ligament damage.
Falls: Improper falling positions can place intense pressure on the knee joint.
Muscle Weakness or Poor Conditioning: Insufficient strength or flexibility in the surrounding muscles may increase the risk of injury.

Symptoms of Knee Ligament Sprain

Pain: Immediate pain at the injury site, which may worsen with movement.
Swelling: Swelling around the knee joint may occur due to fluid accumulation.
Instability: A feeling of the knee giving way or being unstable during weight-bearing activities.
Reduced Range of Motion: Difficulty bending or straightening the knee.
Bruising: Discoloration around the knee may develop due to bleeding within the joint.

Physiotherapy for Knee Ligament Sprain

The primary goal of treating knee ligament sprains is to reduce swelling and restore the range of motion as quickly as possible. Common treatment methods to assist in reducing swelling and repairing soft tissue include acupuncture, ultrasound, and the use of athletic tape. Once pain subsides and swelling decreases, the therapist will develop a rehabilitation plan to rebuild strength and coordination in the thigh and hip muscles, train reflexes, and improve balance to control the risk of future injuries.

Common physical therapy methods include:

TCM Treatment for Knee Ligament Sprain

From a TCM perspective, low back pain is related to kidney deficiency or stagnation of Qi and blood stasis. Common TCM treatments include:

Internal medicine:
Prescribing appropriate herbal formulas based on diagnosis, such as:
Activating Blood Circulation: Herbs like peach kernel, safflower, and ligusticum to improve blood circulation.
Acupuncture:
Inserting needles into specific meridians and acupoints (such as those around the knee joint) to promote qi and blood circulation, relieve pain, and reduce swelling.
Orthopedic Reduction:
sing manual techniques to open up the meridians, promote blood circulation, and alleviate pain.
Dit Da Jou: Using herbal plasters or ointments applied to the injured area to achieve anti-swelling and pain-relieving effects.

FAQ

When do I need to get an MRI scan?

Whether to undergo magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) after a knee ligament sprain typically depends on the severity of symptoms and clinical assessment results. Here are some situations that may warrant an MRI:

Severe Symptoms: If there is intense pain, notable swelling, limited range of motion, and inability to bear weight after the injury, this may indicate damage to the ligaments or other structures (like the meniscus), suggesting an MRI to assess the injury.
Suspected Ligament Tear: When there is suspicion of an anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) or posterior cruciate ligament (PCL) tear, an MRI can help confirm the extent of the injury.
Accompanying Injuries: If there are concerns about concurrent meniscus injuries or other structural damage, an MRI can provide clearer images to assist in treatment planning.
Persistent Symptoms: If symptoms do not improve within a few weeks after the injury, particularly ongoing pain and swelling, an MRI can rule out more severe injuries.
Unclear Diagnosis: When clinical diagnosis is unclear or further evaluation is needed, an MRI is an effective diagnostic tool.

When is Surgery Needed for Knee Ligament Sprains?

The need for surgery depends on the type and severity of the injury, as well as the activity demands of the patient. Here are some situations that may require surgery:

Complete Tear: If there is a complete tear of the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) or posterior cruciate ligament (PCL), especially in athletes or individuals requiring high levels of activity, surgical repair is typically recommended.
Multiple Injuries: If there are multiple ligament injuries in the knee (such as concurrent ACL and PCL injuries), surgery may be needed to restore joint stability.
Meniscus Injury: If there is a meniscus tear that is severe or affects joint stability, surgical repair may be necessary.
Functional Limitations: If the stability of the knee joint is significantly compromised, leading to limitations in daily activities or sports, surgery may be warranted.
Ineffective Non-Surgical Treatment: If conservative treatment (such as rest, physical therapy, and medication) does not improve symptoms over time and affects quality of life, surgery may be considered.

MANA Core Values

Integration of Eastern and Western Medicine, Multidimensional Therapy
Reshaping Structural Integrity to Achieve Inner and Outer Balance
Guiding Body Perception to Think & Foster a Healthy Lifestyle
Conducted by Registered TCM Practitioners and Physiotherapists for Examination and Treatment

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