If you suspect that you have a torn ligament in your inside knee, there are several steps you can take to reduce pain and swelling and help your knee heal. These include applying ice packs, doing muscle strengthening exercises, wearing a protective knee brace during exercise, and limiting your activity. It is important to see a doctor for a diagnosis, as the symptoms of a cruciate or collateral ligament injury may resemble other medical conditions. If the pain and swelling make it difficult to assess the severity of the injury, you may need to put on a light splint, apply ice, and elevate your knee.
Once the swelling and pain have subsided, the doctor will make the diagnosis. To keep your knee from moving, your doctor may recommend a lightweight cast or brace that allows your knee to move back and forth but limits side-to-side movement. This should be done for 72 hours. Once the pain and swelling have lessened, you can start a rehabilitation program.
This should involve exercises to regain your knee's strength and normal range of motion. If you feel pain while doing exercises, proceed slowly to avoid further irritation. Full recovery can take anywhere from one week to eight weeks, depending on the severity of the injury. If surgery is required for either a cruciate or collateral ligament injury, you will likely be able to return home the same day.
After surgery, you'll use crutches and a knee brace for about six weeks. At a postoperative visit one to two weeks after surgery, the doctor will check your knee and remove the stitches. The recovery time depends on any related knee injuries, but is generally between nine and 12 months.It is important to take steps to reduce pain and swelling if you suspect that you have a torn ligament in your inside knee. Applying ice packs, doing muscle strengthening exercises, wearing a protective knee brace during exercise, and limiting activity can all help with recovery.
It is also important to see a doctor for an accurate diagnosis.
