“The knee joint is held together by two ligaments. The anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) and the posterior cruciate ligament (PCL). The medial collateral ligament (MCL) is located on the outside of the knee joint”, says Dr Dhawan.

According to the Cleveland Clinic, the most commonly injured knee ligament is the ACL, which connects your femur (thigh bone) to your tibia (inner bone of lower leg) at the front. Located at the rear, the PCL connects the femur to the tibia as well.

It is less likely to sustain injuries than the ACL because it is stronger and thicker. The MCL, which is broad and flat and joins the thigh (femur) and shin (tibia) bones, stabilises the inner knee.

“An ACL tear is quite common among young individuals, often resulting from sports activities like football or a fall during cricket.” Three grades are commonly used to classify ACL injuries: 1, 2, and 3. The ACL sustains minor damage from grade 1 injuries, such as minor stretching, but the ligament still provides the knee joint with adequate stability. 

ACLs that have been strained and partially ripped are referred to as grade 2 injuries, which are rare. Finally, when the ACL is totally torn, the knee joint loses all stability, leading to a diagnosis of grade 3 injuries, according to Johns Hopkins Medicine.

As per the Mayo Clinic, signs of an ACL injury often include 

If any knee injury exhibits symptoms or indicators of an ACL injury, get medical help right away. A complex network of interconnected bones, ligaments, tendons, and other tissues makes up the knee joint. To determine the extent of the injury and administer the proper care, a prompt and accurate diagnosis is essential.

The patient's symptoms, the results of the examination, the amount of growth that is still present in their growth plates, the type of ligament injury, and their goals for sports and activities all influence the available treatment options.

For grade 1 injuries, nonsurgical therapy is usually appropriate. Physical therapy, immobilisation or brace use, and a gradual return to sports and regular activities can all be part of this.

For patients with a grade 3 or total ACL injury, surgery is recommended. Depending on the kind of ACL injury, the patient's growth plates' state (open or closed) and the particulars of the injury, different surgical techniques may be used. 

“Young patients typically require ACL reconstruction for this injury,” says Dr Dhawan. He then adds that for older individuals, treatment may involve isometric knee exercises without the need for ACL reconstruction. 

“The MCL, located on the outside of the knee joint, can suffer injuries that lead to bruising and swelling, wherein a complete tear necessitates surgical intervention. Partial tears can be managed by applying plaster for three weeks, followed by exercises to improve the range of motion in the knee joint”, says Dr Dhawan.

MCL injuries can be extremely painful. For most people, the inner side of the knee feels sore and uncomfortable. Here are some other indicators of an MCL tear;

According to the University of Rochester Medical Center, here are three major treatment options.

The best ways to treat an injury are frequently to rest, take medicine, and participate in physical therapy.

Medication given directly to the site of injury can be an effective treatment for certain conditions. Doctors use ultrasonography to pinpoint the exact area.

Surgeons can view the inside of your affected joint by making a small incision and inserting a camera. As they remove pieces of bone and cartilage, restructure bones, or mend torn ligaments and tendons, they watch their work on a screen. 

Going through a physically altering injury can be distressing, but reading and learning about it can dispel your worries for a short while. Being aware of what may come or what you are currently facing, will aid you in making conscious treatment choices and help you ask the right questions to your doctor. This will help you be prepared for whatever may come next.