The ligaments in the human body play a pivotal role in stabilizing the knee joint. They cushion the two bones, offering enough support so that the joints do not twist or get dislocated when you move. Think of them as the ropes connecting the two ends of the bones. However, like any part of our body, ligaments are vulnerable to damage.
Overuse of your knee joint or trauma that severely hits your joints can cause a severe injury to your ligaments. To ensure they are working normally, see an orthopedic doctor in Thane if you experience unusual symptoms, like difficulty bearing weight or moving your knee joint. To help you understand your ligaments better, we’ve explained the four main types of ligaments and their function. Let’s take a look.
The Four Major Ligaments
i) Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL):
The ACL is the ligament connecting the thighbone to the shinbone. Its main function is to provide rotational stability to the knee joint, particularly during twisting and turning movements. This also happens to be one of the most commonly injured ligaments, as it supports critical movements, like climbing up the stairs or practicing any sudden movement.
ii) Posterior Cruciate Ligament (PCL):
It’s another crucial ligament that forms a crisscross pattern with the ACL. Like the ACL, the posterior cruciate ligament also connects the femur to the tibia. It’s one of the strongest ligaments and is, thus, less likely to sustain an injury. It supports your knee joints in movements like walking downhill or bending.
iii) Medial Collateral Ligament (MCL):
Located on the inner side of the knee, the MCL protects the knee joint from sideways pressure. It connects the femur to the tibia from the inner side, hence its name. This ligament offers crucial support and stability to your knee joint when you stand, walk, or run. It also protects you from the forceful inward pushing of the knee joint during sports and other physical activities.
iv) Lateral Collateral Ligament (LCL):
Connecting the femur to the fibula, the LCL supports the knee on the outer side. It also supports the knee during side-to-side movements, twisting, pivoting, and other activities.
Common Injuries Affecting Your Ligaments
Your ligaments, although strong, can sustain an injury if you perform activities that expose them to excessive force. Sprains, for example, can stretch or tear your ACL, MCL, and LCL. Posterior Cruciate Ligament, as mentioned earlier, is less likely to get injured unless there’s a severe accident or a fall involved. Treatment for ligament injury depends on the severity of the tear. It can include the RICE (Rest, Ice, Compression, and Elevation) or require a surgical reconstruction.
Additional Supporting Structures
a) Menisci:
These work with your ligaments to support your knee joint and provide stability during movement. They absorb shocks and lubricate joints for smooth movements, playing a crucial role in cushioning your bones.
b) Tendons and Other Tissues:
Your knee structure is complex and involves tendons, ligaments, muscles, and soft tissues, all of which work together to allow you to practice effortless movements. It’s important to seek ligaments and tendon repair in Thane if there’s any injury to these supportive structures.
