Pain with a torn cruciate ligament
In addition to symptoms such as swelling, instability and effusion formation, pain is an important leading symptom of cruciate ligament rupture. From a diagnostic point of view, knee pain following a traumatic event is considered a leading indicator of a torn cruciate ligament. The pain caused by a torn cruciate ligament occurs immediately after the rupture event.
The pain is usually described by those affected as moderately severe to very severe, with a slightly stabbing pain character. The pain inside the knee then usually subsides somewhat. However, as soon as the knee and thus the torn cruciate ligaments are loaded again, the pain intensifies again.
The pain is generally caused naturally by the rupture of the cruciate ligament itself. On the other hand, a torn cruciate ligament also causes swelling in the knee as a result of a vascular injury with bleeding into the knee joint (= so-called haemarthros). The stretching of the knee joint capsule as a result of the swelling then in turn causes a sensation of pain via stretch receptors and the nerves that pass on the information.
Puncture of the knee joint relieves pressure and thus pain. In order to relieve the pain caused by the torn cruciate ligament, only conservative or surgical treatment is possible. (see: Surgery of a torn cruciate ligament)
Symptoms in the child
Children very often suffer a tear of the anterior cruciate ligament. However, the symptoms of a torn cruciate ligament in children do not differ significantly from a torn cruciate ligament in adults. Classical symptoms are also found in children: In addition, the knee is very unstable due to the rupture of the cruciate ligament and the stretching movement is no longer possible.
These two limitations are accompanied by a general loss of function of the knee. Especially in children, however, pain in the knee with corresponding additional symptoms does not immediately lead to a torn cruciate ligament. The correct diagnosis is very important, however, since an untreated anterior cruciate ligament rupture in childhood can have serious consequences for the child’s knee.
Permanent damage in this case was accompanied by symptoms such as recurring pain and a feeling of instability as well as a limping gait pattern. The intensity of pain may be perceived as more intense, especially by younger children, because the stabbing pain inside the knee joint is very unpleasant and also unknown in connection with knee instability. It should also be considered that the symptoms may be more pronounced in children.
This is because the child’s bones are even weaker in relation to the ligamentous apparatus, i.e. the cruciate ligaments. Therefore, it is typical for a child’s cruciate ligament rupture that the bony attachment is torn out at the same time. This means that both ligament and bone structures are injured and the pain sensation is therefore more intense.
- Pain
- Swelling
- Effusion
