Our knees are used more than we realize, whether we’re sitting or walking. A hinge joint is a knee that is designed to only move in one direction. This makes the knee vulnerable to injury. This makes it vulnerable to injury.
Ligaments are fibrous connective tissues that link bones and joints together. The ligament is responsible for stabilizing the joint. A ligament injury can cause severe pain and require medical attention. Six main ligaments are found in the knee:
- Anterior Cruciate Ligament
- The ACL is located at the center of your knee towards the front. This ligament controls forward motion and allows the tibia to move with you. Sudden twists are common causes of an ACL injury.
- Posterior Cruciate Ligament
- The PCL is also located in the middle of the knee, but it is attached to the back side of the tibia. The PCL allows backward movement and can also be torn by frontal blows.
- Medial Collateral Ligament (MCL)
- The MCL is located on the inner side of the knee. The MCL’s job is to stabilize the joint and allow for movement. The MCL is similar to the PCL and can be damaged by sudden blows to either side of the knee.
- Lateral Collateral Ligament (LCL)
- This ligament is located on one side of the knee. LCL injuries are rare, but they can happen with MCL injuries depending upon the force of the impact.
- Fibular Collateral Ligament (FCL)
- The fibular collateral ligament, one of the largest ligaments in the knee is located on the outside side of your knee and attaches to the femur as well as the fibula. This ligament, along with others, helps to control the hinging and straightening of the knee joint. A blow to the inside or knee can often injure the FCL.
- Coronary Ligaments
- The knee’s delicate and tiny coronary ligaments are made up of connective tissue. These ligaments regulate the inward and outer movements of the knee, ensuring that no tissues are damaged. Because of their small size, these ligaments can be easily injured by overexertion. Injured coronary ligaments can cause pain, decreased range of motion, and instability in the knees.
Treatment of Knee Ligament Injuries
Not only are knee injuries painful, but surgery can also be costly and take several months to heal. There are many other options for treatment. We are committed to providing pain relief options that allow you to live your life without pain. We offer a variety of minimally invasive treatments such as platelet-rich Plasma, stem cells, prolotherapy, and non-invasive laser treatment.
Knee injuries can be very common. Being aware of your body’s movements and how they affect your knees is the first step to avoiding them. Although your joints allow movement in certain directions, they are designed to limit it. You should seek medical attention immediately if you sustain an injury.
This article was written by a medical professional at Florida Medical Pain Management. Florida Medical Pain Management is proud to offer comprehensive Pain Management In Clearwater to a diverse group of patients. Patients at Florida Medical Pain Management can get help managing hip, knee, leg, and neck pain. The practice also offers comprehensive arthritis management, along with treatments for auto accidents, sports, and work injuries.
