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Knee Ligament Injury
Knee ligament injuries are sprains or tears of the strong bands that hold the knee together, such as the collateral or cruciate ligaments. They often follow a twist or direct blow.
Causes & risk factors
- Twisting the knee during sport
- Direct blow to the side of the knee
- Awkward landing or fall
- Sudden change of direction
- Road traffic accidents
Common symptoms
- Knee pain
- Swelling soon after injury
- Knee feeling loose or unstable
- Difficulty bearing weight
- Reduced movement of the knee
Tests & diagnosis
Treatment & management
- Rest, ice, compression and elevation
- A brace to protect and support the knee
- Physiotherapy to restore strength and stability
- Pain relief as advised
- Surgery for complete tears or persistent instability
When to see a doctor urgently
- Knee that gives way or feels unstable
- Severe swelling or inability to bear weight
- A deformed or clearly abnormal-looking knee
- Numbness or cold sensation below the knee
Not a diagnosis. MedDroid gives general educational information about knee ligament injury. It cannot examine you, diagnose or prescribe — always confirm with a qualified doctor.
Frequently asked questions
How do I know if it is a sprain or a tear?
A doctor distinguishes them by examination and imaging such as MRI. Sprains stretch the ligament, while tears involve partial or complete rupture.
Can I walk on an injured knee ligament?
Mild sprains may allow careful walking, but instability or severe pain means you should rest the knee and get it assessed.
Explore more
Sources & further reading
- World Health Organization (WHO)
- MedlinePlus — U.S. National Library of Medicine
- Ministry of Health & Family Welfare, India
- Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR)
Reviewed by Dr. Sanjay Anbu, MBBS. MedDroid is an AI medical assistant and can make mistakes. It provides general health information, not a diagnosis or medical advice — always consult a qualified clinician. In an emergency, contact your local emergency number immediately.