Ligament tears in the knee are common. The knee has four major ligaments: the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL), the medial collateral ligament (MCL), the posterior cruciate ligament (PCL) and the lateral collateral ligament (LCL). Each ligament restricts certain abnormal movement of the knee, and motion beyond these limits may produce damage in the form of a partial or complete tear.
Symptoms of a knee ligament injury include sudden and severe pain; a loud pop or snap; swelling; a feeling of looseness in the joint; and/or the inability to put weight on the knee without pain.
Treatments may include rest, ice, compression and bracing, elevation, medication, physical therapy, and in some cases, orthopedic surgery.
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