Synonyms
- Inner ligament rupture
- Injury of the ligamentum collaterale medial
The collateral medial ligament (inner ligament) runs from the thigh bone (femur) to the shin bone (tibia). It runs diagonally, i.e. a little anteriorly downward. The ligament is relatively wide and fuses with the joint capsule, thus stabilizing it.
In addition, it is firmly connected to the medial meniscus via a few fibre strings. The inner ligament is taut when the knee is stretched and rotated outwards. When the knee is stretched, it serves to stabilize the knee together with the outer ligament; when the knee joint is flexed, the two ligaments limit the external rotation.
Causes
The inner ligament usually only tears as a result of trauma. This can be a kink, a rotational trauma or a dislocation of the knee joint, such as occurs when skiing or playing soccer.
Symptoms
Among the symptoms of an inner ligament rupture are
- Painful restriction of movement
- Possible instability of the knee joint
- Pressure pain on the band
- Possible joint effusion, also bruising in the joint
- Feeling of instability
The pain typically occurs on the inside of the knee, i.e. directly above the affected inner ligament. There they can usually be intensified by applying pressure. They are often accompanied by swelling in this area.
However, pain can also occur in the entire knee joint, especially if the knee joint is also affected by the unstable ligament. This pain often becomes stronger when the ligament is flexed. The same applies if the knee is pressed inwards with the leg stretched.
The pain is also increased during most movements, which, together with the instability in the knee that is usually felt, makes every movement difficult. Directly after the injury, however, the pain is often difficult to localize. This is because often a joint effusion or swelling has already formed, which irritates the entire knee.
During treatment it is important to do something about this pain, otherwise it can delay healing and lead to relieving postures. As a simple measure, cooling and elevating the knee often helps. In addition, the pain can usually be managed well with painkillers from the NSAID group, e.g. ibuprofen or diclofenac. Overall, it is better to take painkillers for a few weeks and thus make good progress in therapy than to try to bear the pain and therefore not be able to train properly.
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