Definition
The inner ligament of the knee, also known as the inner collateral ligament, attaches to the lower thigh bone and creates a connection to the upper shin bone. The ligament has an important function in securing the stability of the knee joint. When stretched, the ligament is stretched beyond normal conditions. This is a common injury to the knee, which occurs mainly during sports. In contrast to a torn ligament, however, the inner ligament remains intact.
Symptoms
After a stretching of the inner ligament of the knee, patients often feel a strong, dull pain. This pain can either be localized on the spot or spread over the entire knee. The pain also impairs movement in the knee joint.
Frequently, an effusion is also formed in the area of the inner ligament, which, however, is not bloody compared to a torn ligament. If the ligament is overstretched, its function is retained. If the ligament is torn or torn off, the ligament can no longer fulfill its function, which results in functional impairment of the knee joint.
Thus, when the ligament is stretched, walking in pain is often still possible normally, but when it is torn, the injured leg can no longer be loaded. Both the swelling and the pain should disappear of their own accord after a few weeks if the inner ligament is stretched. If this is not the case, a doctor should be consulted to rule out a torn ligament.
In case of doubt, the doctor should be consulted quickly to make a reliable diagnosis and avoid complications and further damage. A stretching of the inner ligament manifests itself by a swelling without hematoma and slight to moderate pain. The pain can be limited to the inside of the knee joint, but can also spread to the entire knee and parts of the upper and lower leg.
The pain associated with ligament stretching disappears at rest after a few days. Under stress, the pain can still occur a few weeks after the injury. Conventional painkillers such as Aspirin® and ibuprofen are suitable for pain relief. In addition, cooling the knee with ice and raising the knee can help to relieve pain. If the pain is very severe and persists for several weeks despite appropriate medication and other measures, a doctor should be consulted to rule out more serious injuries.
