Cruciate ligament injury
Table of contents
A cruciate ligament injury in the knee often occurs due to sudden twisting, lateral loading, or direct trauma, especially during sports or falls. These injuries can lead to significant pain, swelling, and a feeling of instability, and it is important to act quickly to avoid long-term problems. With us, you can find a wide range of knee braces for osteoarthritis and cruciate ligament injuries that will help you during rehabilitation and when returning to activity.
The knee joint is stabilized by two cruciate ligaments: the anterior and the posterior. The anterior cruciate ligament prevents the lower leg from sliding forward relative to the thigh bone and contributes to the rotational stability of the knee. An injury to this ligament therefore affects the stability and function of the knee.
Symptoms of a cruciate ligament injury?
Symptoms can vary, but common signs include:
- Acute pain and swelling immediately after trauma to the knee
- A feeling that the knee gives way or is unstable
- Sometimes a "pop" is heard or felt in the knee at the time of injury
- Difficulty bearing weight on the leg or jumping
- Feeling of instability, especially when twisting
- Swelling and sometimes bleeding in the joints (hemarthrosis)
- Local tenderness upon palpation
Classification of cruciate ligament injury
Cruciate ligament tears are classified into three grades:
- 1: A minor part of the cruciate ligament has torn, causing pain but limited instability.
- 2: A larger part of the cruciate ligament has been damaged, resulting in both pain and instability.
- 3: The cruciate ligament has completely ruptured, requiring surgery to restore the function and stability of the knee joint.
When and where should I seek care?
If you experience severe pain, rapid knee swelling, or feel your knee giving way, it is important to seek immediate medical attention. Contact a health center, 1177, or the emergency room for a proper assessment. If you are an active person with severe instability, you should promptly see a physiotherapist or orthopedist.
Treatment
Initially, you should use crutches, rest, and pain relief to reduce stress. The goal is then to:
- Regain normal movement and strength through physiotherapy, which is usually the first step to stabilize the knee.
- For greater instability, a stabilizing knee brace can be effective for about six weeks.
- If rehabilitation does not provide sufficient results after 3–6 months, cruciate ligament reconstruction or ligament surgery may be considered.
Follow-up and self-care
Using a knee brace and following the rehabilitation program is important to minimize the risk of recurring problems. With us, you will find supportive models designed specifically for this purpose, offering extra stability during everyday activities and training.
After surgery, it is common to start training the same week as the procedure, and recovery takes between 6–12 months depending on the type of surgery and level of rehabilitation.
Recommended products
Do I always need surgery?
No, many recover fully with rehabilitation, especially if the injury is minor or you are less active. If instability persists after training, surgery may be considered.
How long do I need to use a knee brace?
Generally for the first 4–6 weeks for stabilizing injuries, but it may be wise to continue using support during training while healing.
When can I start training again?
After gradual mobility and strength training. Slow return to training often begins before six weeks, but full recovery can take up to a year.
Can wearing a brace prevent osteoarthritis?
Knee braces and good rehabilitation can reduce overloading and instability, which in the long run can reduce the risk of wear and tear injuries leading to osteoarthritis.
