Knees ligaments are something we all know can go wrong if you keep up with the Sport news.  Do you know what can go wrong and more importantly what to do about it?

Ligaments give stability to the knee.  They are tough structures that attach the thighbone (femur) to the shin bone (tibia).  Other than stabilising the knee they have a few functions.  They guide the knees movement and act to support the joints capsule which is a very important but usually quite thin structure. </span>

The most important ligaments of the knee run either side of the knee and stop twisting movements to the sides (collaterals) and run through the knee forming a cross (cruciates) which prevents rotation of the knee and forward and backward sliding.

Ligaments are very tough structures but can get injured when the knee is twisted under strong load.  This could happen in a fall, if something strikes the foot or if a person twists rapidly like changing direction whilst running.  This is known as a ligament sprain and this can be diagnosed by clinical assessment.

Broadly speaking there are 2 ways to injure these ligaments.  A partial rupture where you will have pain and problems moving, this can be cured by Pure Physio or a complete rupture where there will be little pain but severe instability.  Physios can teach exercise to compensate for ruptures of cruciate ligaments but at Pure Physio we have great contacts amongst the surgeons who would almost always be asked whether surgery can help and so will refer you on to see if they can assist with your recovery.

If you have pain on twisting, walking on rough ground or stopping it’s likely you have a ligament problem.  Pure Physio can help and you need to get in touch with us contact us by clicking here or book online by clicking here.