The human body is designed for movement, balance, and strength. At the core of this system is the skeleton made up of bones, joints, cartilage, ligaments, and tendons that work together to support daily activity. Bones provide structure, joints allow motion, cartilage cushions impact, tendons connect muscle to bone, and ligaments hold everything steady by linking bone to bone.

Why is the Knee Largest and most Complex Joint?

Among all joints, the knee stands out for the amount of stress it supports every day. It plays a central role in walking, climbing, sitting, and sudden directional changes. This heavy workload makes the knee especially dependent on strong, healthy ligaments and also more vulnerable to injury.

What are Knee Ligaments?

The knee is a compound joint made of two parts: the tibiofemoral joint and the patellofemoral joint. It connects the thigh bone to the shin bone and also involves the kneecap (patella), which is a modified hinge, allowing for bending, straightening and slight rotation. 

The knee joint also contains cartilage (meniscus), ligaments and muscles that stabilise and enable movement. There are four ligaments in the knee. They prevent your knee from moving side to side too much. The two cruciate ligaments are in the centre of your knee. They keep the knee from shifting too far forward or backwards.

What is the Function of the Knee Ligaments?

Knee ligaments play a vital role in knee function. They

• Stabilise the knee when the foot hits or strikes a surface

• Connect the thigh bone to the lower leg bones

• Keep bones in the correct position

• Prevent knees from twisting or collapsing

• Stabilise the knee joint

• Stop the knee from moving in any perilous or unnatural directions

Can Knee Ligaments get injured?

Yes. Knee ligaments can get injured. Knee ligament injuries can be caused by traumatic accidents or sports injuries. 

Symptoms and Kinds of Knee Ligament Injuries

• Cruciate ligament injury: A cruciate ligament injury is painful and may be accompanied by a popping sound when the injury happens. The knee may swell and give way during an activity. The symptoms of a cruciate ligament injury may sometimes seem like other health conditions. It is a good option for a healthcare provider for a diagnosis.

• Collateral ligament injury: A collateral ligament injury also causes pain and may cause swelling and buckling

Seek care immediately if a person is unable to walk or move the leg, or there is an obvious deformity of the knee or leg

How is a Knee Ligament injury diagnosed?

In addition to a complete medical history and physical examination, diagnostic procedures for a knee ligament injury may include:

•  X-ray

• MRI

• CT scan

• Arthoscopy

• Bone scan

Treatment for Knee Ligament Injuries

The specific treatment for a knee ligament injury depends on several factors, including the patient’s age, overall health, medical history, the severity of the injury, tolerance for different therapies, and personal preferences.

Treatment plans may include:

• Muscle-strengthening exercises: Targeted exercises help stabilize the knee, improve flexibility, and reduce the risk of future injuries.

• Protective knee brace: A brace supports the joint during movement, preventing excessive strain and allowing safer activity.

• Ice pack application: Applying ice helps reduce swelling, relieve pain, and control inflammation in the acute phase of injury.

• Surgery: In cases of severe tears or instability, surgical repair or reconstruction restores ligament function and long-term joint stability.

MYTHS AND FACTS

What STAR Hospitals Offer:

Knee ligament injuries can feel overwhelming, but with timely diagnosis, the right treatment plan and dedicated rehabilitation, recovery is absolutely possible. The key lies in choosing care that blends medical precision with patient-centred support.

Star Hospitals is widely recognised for its advanced orthopaedic care, with a dedicated orthopaedic department that combines cutting-edge technology, high patient volumes, and experienced specialists to deliver excellent outcomes and world-class infrastructure with a strong focus on patient-centric care.

If you or your loved one is suffering from knee ligament-related complications, let us help you. Book an appointment today or call 1800-102-7827 to know more.