Ligament Injuries

Knee and lower leg conditions such as ligament injuries can affect every aspect of your life, from your ability to do your job to the time you spend on your favorite activities. From ACL tears to PCL sprains, the sports medicine team at TriHealth Orthopedic & Sports Institute and Beacon Orthopaedics & Sports Medicine can help you find relief from knee pain and regain your knee function after a ligament injury.

Our team of physicians and specialists provide patient-centered care, helping you heal with the most conservative treatment possible before turning to surgery. We offer advanced ACL repairs, without grafts, to rebuild strength in your ligament long-term. If repair is not possible, our orthopedic surgeons also offer reconstructive surgery to get you back in the game.

Ligament Injuries

Your knee is made up of different bones and the ligaments that connect the two together. When you put too much pressure or strain on your knee, it can cause sprains (stretching) or tearing of the ligaments. One of the most common sports injuries is anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) tear in the knee, though you can also tear other knee ligaments.

Fortunately, most ligament injuries can be treated without surgery or within advanced minimally invasive treatments. Though you may have a long recovery time, you should be able to return to your activity after most mild to moderate injuries.

Ligament injuries causes

Ligament injuries can be caused by:

• A sudden hit to the knee, such as in football or a car crash
• Repetitive twisting motions on the knee over time
• Suddenly twisting the knee, such as in skiing or pivoting in basketball
• Twisting the knee out of place when landing from a jump

Ligament injuries symptoms

If you have a ligament injury in your knee, you may experience symptoms such as:

• A popping sound in the knee
• Knee pain
• Knee swelling
• Trouble putting weight on the knee

Ligament injuries treatment

The treatment for a knee injury depends on the severity, from a minor sprain to a full tear. Common treatments include:

• R.I.C.E., rest, ice, compression and elevation
• Ligament repair surgery
• Ligament reconstruction surgery
• Knee bracing
• Over-the-counter pain medicines
• Physical therapy

Ligament injuries risk factors

You may be at a higher risk for a ligament injury if you:

• Don’t properly strengthen your legs for the sport you play
• Don’t warm up properly
• Use improper body mechanics
• Use improper sports equipment or shoes that don’t fit properly
• Participate in sports that involve hitting or twisting the knee, such as football, basketball, skiing or gymnastics

Ligament injuries prevention

You can take steps to keep your knee healthy by:

• Avoiding certain sports, such as football or basketball
• Learning appropriate jumping and pivoting techniques
• Strengthening the thigh muscles
• Wearing appropriate safety equipment and shoes for your activity

Make an appointment

Find out how knee care experts can help you heal from ligament injuries. To learn more or make an appointment with a sports medicine specialist: Call TriHealth at 513 246 2300 or our orthopedic partner, Beacon Orthopaedics & Sports Medicine, at 513 354 3700.

Beacon and TriHealth have teamed up to transform orthopedic care.

Access broader, superior orthopedic services through the combined efforts of two powerhouse providers, driven to providea model for partnership between independent physicians and health systems in Greater Cincinnati.

Learn More.