Symptoms

The first symptom of a torn ligament is a sharp shooting pain, sometimes a tearing sound is heard while the trauma occurs. Subsequently, the typical signs of inflammation appear: Since the ligaments represent essential structures for stability, this also decreases. A torn ligament can no longer perform its function. In addition, there is a pressure pain above the affected localization – especially in the collateral ligaments, which are superficial and easy to feel.

Swelling
Pain
Heat and reddish discoloration
Restricted function (movement)

Diagnosis

The diagnosis is made by taking the patient’s medical history (course of the accident, character of the pain, main problem.) and various tests. Manual tests can be used to bring the various ligaments to tension.

If a ligament is torn, a pathologically increased mobility is detected in this area. The doctor can also perform additional imaging procedures such as X-rays or an MRI to confirm the diagnosis.

If the patient lies in a supine position, the therapist can easily bring the knee into varus stress to test the outer ligament or into valgus stress to test the inner ligament.
The “drawer tests” exist for the cruciate ligaments, whereby the erected lower leg is pulled slightly forward (anterior cruciate ligament) or pushed backward (posterior cruciate ligament) with the knee bent.

Treatment/Therapy

In the initial phase, position your leg high and cool (to a prescribed degree!, too much cooling has a negative effect on wound healing) against swelling and pain. Already or especially during the initial immobilization it is important to move the knee regularly to the prescribed extent (initially passively) in order to accustom the growing fibers to their function and alignment and to protect the joint from loss of mobility. Isometric strength exercises can be started early on.Since the passive stability system is affected, it is all the more important to train the active stability system all the more – in other words: building up muscles around the knee.

Therapeutic goals in the later course are strength, depth sensitivity and coordination training. When the knee is resilient again, exercises on the wobble cushion, uneven surfaces and in the one-legged position are suitable. Muscles shortened by the relieving posture are stretched and a physiological gait pattern is learned again. You can find exercises in the articles:

Exercises for an injury to the inner and outer ligaments
Exercises for a cruciate ligament rupture
Exercises in case of a rupture/extension of the ligament