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    3. Orthopaedics
    4. Knee Orthopaedics
    5. Knee ligament injury treatment

    Knee ligament injury treatment

    A knee ligament injury can affect how your knee moves and feels. The medial collateral ligament (MCL) and posterior cruciate ligament (PCL) help keep your knee stable. 

    At Mayo Clinic Healthcare in London, our orthopaedic specialists evaluate knee ligament injuries, including injuries to the MCL and PCL. Your assessment will consider how the injury happened, your symptoms, knee stability, and your activity level.

    Knee ligament injuries can range from a mild stretch to a complete tear. Some injuries improve with rehabilitation and support, while more severe injuries, particularly those involving multiple ligaments, may require further specialist care.

    Early assessment can help determine the extent of the injury and identify damage to other parts of the knee.

    • The MCL and PCL are two of the four major ligaments that help keep your knee stable.

      The medial collateral ligament (MCL) runs along the inner side of your knee. It helps prevent excessive side-to-side movement and supports knee stability. An MCL injury can range from a mild stretch to a complete tear.

      The posterior cruciate ligament (PCL) runs through the back of your knee and connects your thigh bone to your shin bone. It helps control movement and stability within your knee. PCL injuries can happen on their own or alongside damage to other knee ligaments.

    • Knee ligament injury symptoms can vary depending on which ligament is affected and how severe the injury is.

      You may experience:

      • Pain around your knee
      • Swelling or stiffness
      • Tenderness over the injured ligament
      • Difficulty putting weight on your affected leg
      • Reduced range of movement
      • A feeling that your knee is unstable or may give way
      • Difficulty walking or using stairs
      • A popping sensation when the injury happens
      • Catching or locking of the knee

      MCL injuries often cause pain and tenderness along the inner side of the knee. PCL injuries may cause pain, swelling, stiffness, and a feeling that your knee is unstable or weaker than usual.

      Not everyone with a ligament injury experiences severe symptoms. You may still be able to walk after an MCL or PCL injury, particularly if the injury is less severe. However, being able to walk does not rule out a significant ligament injury.

    • You should arrange an assessment after a significant knee injury, particularly if you have pain, swelling, or a feeling that your knee is unstable.

      Urgent medical assessment may be needed after a severe injury if:

      • Your knee looks out of place
      • You cannot use your leg normally
      • You experience numbness
      • Your foot or leg becomes cold or changes colour

      Serious multiple-ligament knee injuries can affect the blood vessels and nerves around the knee and may need prompt assessment.

    • MCL injuries commonly happen when the outside of your knee receives a direct blow or when your knee is forced into an unusual position.

      Sudden changes in direction, twisting movements, awkward landings, and contact sports can all place stress on the MCL.

      PCL injuries usually happen when the ligament is stretched further than it should be. This can occur when:

      • The front of your knee is hit with force
      • Your knee twists suddenly
      • Your knee is forced backwards

      High-impact injuries, including those caused by road traffic accidents and sports, can damage the PCL.

      A significant injury can damage more than one ligament at the same time. Multiple-ligament knee injuries need careful assessment because other parts of the knee may also be affected.

    • Diagnosis begins with a detailed consultation and examination by your specialist.

      Your consultant will ask how the injury happened and assess your pain, swelling, movement, and knee stability. They may perform specific tests to check whether the MCL, PCL, or another part of your knee has been affected.

      X-Ray

      An X-ray can help identify a fracture or other bone injury linked to the trauma. It does not show the ligaments in detail. 

      Magnetic resonance imaging

      Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) provides detailed images of the soft tissues, such as ligaments, tendons, and cartilage, inside your knee.

      An MRI can help assess the MCL, PCL, and other structures, including the cartilage and menisci. It may also help determine the severity of an injury.

      Your specialist may recommend different tests depending on your symptoms, how the injury happened, and the findings from your examination.

      Your assessment and testing plan will be tailored to your individual needs.

    • Treatment for an MCL or PCL injury depends on the severity of the injury, how stable your knee is and whether other ligaments or parts of the knee have also been damaged. Many injuries can be managed without surgery.

      Treatment may include:

      Physiotherapy

      A structured rehabilitation programme can help restore strength, movement, flexibility and knee stability. Exercises can be tailored to your symptoms, activity levels and recovery goals.

      Knee brace

      A brace may be recommended to support your knee and limit movements that could place additional stress on the healing ligament.

      Adjusting your activities

      Reducing or temporarily avoiding activities that worsen your symptoms can give your knee time to recover while allowing you to maintain appropriate movement and rehabilitation.

      Crutches

      Crutches may be recommended temporarily if you need additional support when walking or putting weight on your injured knee.

      Pain management

      Your consultant may recommend appropriate pain relief to help manage pain and swelling during recovery.

      Most MCL injuries and some less severe PCL injuries improve with non-surgical treatment. More severe injuries, significant instability or damage to multiple knee ligaments may require further specialist care or surgery.

      Your consultant will assess your injury and explain whether non-surgical treatment or a surgical opinion may be appropriate. Although Mayo Clinic Healthcare in London does not offer surgery, we work with leading healthcare professionals who can provide these procedures when appropriate. If surgery is recommended, your consultant will explain your options and coordinate your ongoing care.

    • At Mayo Clinic Healthcare in London, your care begins with a thorough assessment by experienced orthopaedic specialists who take the time to understand your injury, your lifestyle and what you want to return to. Where appropriate, your assessment can be supported by advanced diagnostic imaging and expertise across different specialties, helping to create a personalised plan for your care.

      • Consultant-led assessment by experienced orthopaedic specialists
      • Access to advanced diagnostic imaging and specialist expertise
      • Personalised treatment and rehabilitation planning
      • Coordinated care with physiotherapists and other specialists when appropriate
      • Access to the wider Mayo Clinic network when appropriate

    Private health insurance

    Mayo Clinic Healthcare London works with all major private health insurance providers, including AXA PPP, Aviva, BUPA, Health Partners Group, Vitality Health and WPA. 

    Self-pay arrangements are also available, and our team can guide you through pricing and appointment availability.

    Book a knee ligament assessment 

    If you have experienced a knee injury and have pain, swelling or instability, a specialist assessment can help determine whether a ligament has been damaged and guide the next steps in your recovery. 

    Request an appointment or call +44 (0) 207 871 2575 to speak with our team. 

     

    Medically Reviewed by

    Mr Sujith Konan, Consultant Orthopaedic Surgeon

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    4. Knee Orthopaedics
    5. Knee ligament injury treatment