How to recover from collateral ligament injury of the knee joint

Written by Lv Yao

Orthopedics

Updated on September 24, 2024

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The knee joint has important ligaments on both the inner and outer sides, known as the medial collateral ligament and the lateral collateral ligament. In sports injuries, collateral ligament damage of the knee is very common. If there is an injury, the first step is to conduct a series of examinations to determine the stability of the knee joint. The damage to these ligaments can range from tears to complete ruptures. If there is only a contusion or a tear, the knee can recover its function through the use of supportive braces and the natural healing of the ligament. However, if the collateral ligament is completely ruptured, surgery is necessary for repair. The specific extent of the damage needs to be determined by MRI and physical examinations to decide the best treatment approach for the patient's recovery.

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Written by Li Jie

Orthopedics

1min 7sec

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How to recover from ligament damage

Recovery from ligament damage should be divided into two phases. The first phase is the acute phase of the ligament injury, which generally occurs within three weeks after the injury. During these three weeks, it is recommended to immobilize and minimize movement to create favorable conditions for the growth and repair of the ligament. During this period, heat application can be beneficial, and oral medications that promote blood circulation, remove blood stasis, reduce swelling, and relieve pain can be taken to facilitate the repair of the ligament. After three weeks, the continuity of the ligament is usually established. During this period, it is necessary to enhance functional exercises to prevent joint adhesion. Under the guidance of a physician, joint movements should be strengthened, combined with oral medications for promoting blood circulation, removing blood stasis, reducing swelling, and relieving pain, and also include local heat application and possibly physical therapy. With these comprehensive treatment measures, generally, a good recovery outcome can be achieved.

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Written by Lv Yao

Orthopedics

51sec

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What should I do if the ligaments in the knee joint are injured?

Knee ligament injuries first require us to determine which ligament is damaged. The injury mechanism can help determine which ligament is affected, such as an inversion or eversion injury of the knee, which could cause damage to the medial or lateral collateral ligaments of the knee. Sometimes, knee flexion and rotation injuries may damage the cruciate ligaments of the knee. Once the specific ligament is identified, the extent of the injury must be determined. If the injury is minor, such as a contusion, rest may allow the ligament to gradually recover. If there is a tear, but the knee joint is still stable, conservative treatment can be pursued; however, if there is a tear and the knee joint is unstable, or if the ligament is completely ruptured, we recommend surgical repair to restore the stability of the knee joint.

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Written by Na Hong Wei

Orthopedics

1min 17sec

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How to treat patellar ligament injury?

First, it is necessary to qualitatively assess the injury of the patellar ligament, determining whether it is a partial or complete rupture, whether it is a simple rupture, or a compound rupture, the latter involving other injuries such as fractures or joint dislocations. The treatment of patellar ligament injuries, like other tendon injuries, follows the principle of "three earlies": early diagnosis, early treatment, and early rehabilitation. Early diagnosis has been mentioned before. Early treatment means that if surgery is needed, it should be conducted as soon as possible, as earlier surgeries often result in better postoperative recoveries. If surgery is not required, an immediate fixation with a cast or brace should be applied to keep the knee joint in an extended position, and this fixation should be maintained for three to four weeks. The third step is early rehabilitation. As the knee joint is immobilized during the fixation period, and pain and swelling starts to decrease, early functional exercises should be initiated, focusing on distal joint movement and muscular isotonic exercises, but avoiding flexion and extension movements of the knee joint. Early rehabilitation primarily aims to prevent muscle atrophy, prevent joint adhesion, and promote recovery from the condition.

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Written by Li Jin

Orthopedics

43sec

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Can I walk if the ligament injury has been a month old?

If you can walk with a ligament rupture, it generally takes about four to six weeks. Ligament rupture usually requires surgical treatment because it can cause dysfunction of joint mobility, so it is mainly treated through surgical repair. Post-surgery, it generally requires immobilization and rest for about four to six weeks. During this time, under the guidance of a physician or physiotherapist, appropriate functional exercises should be performed. Normally, it takes more than four to six weeks to resume regular activities. Beginning functional rehabilitation exercises as soon as possible can help prevent complications such as joint stiffness and tendon adhesion, and promote recovery of function.

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Written by Guan Yu Hua

Orthopedic Surgery

48sec

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Symptoms of knee ligament injury

The ligaments in the knee joint are quite complex, often resulting from trauma, strain injuries, or lateral impacts. Symptoms such as reluctance to move the knee, pain, and worsened pain after movement usually necessitate a hospital examination. Lateral stress tests examine the medial and lateral collateral ligaments, drawer tests check the anterior and posterior cruciate ligaments, and pivot shift tests or squat walking tests assess the meniscus. If necessary, an MRI is performed for diagnosis. Early detection and treatment are crucial. If trauma is frequent, or instability after injury occurs, one should seek hospital examination. Ligament damage often heals slowly, typically taking around a month to fully recover.