The knee refers to a joint which has three compartments. Injury tends to affect any of the ligaments, bursae, or the tendons which are surrounding the knee joint. Injury can even affect the ligaments, cartilage, besides the menisci and bones that form the joint. The complexity of the knee joint design as well as the fact that it is a weight bearing joint are factors which make the knee one of the most commonly injured joints, giving rise to knee joint pain.
Ligament injury can lead to knee joint pain. It is trauma which can cause injury to the ligaments which are on the inner portion of the knee, or the outer portion of the knee, or even within the knee. Injuries to these areas lead to immediate knee joint pain which can be sometimes difficult to localize. Usually, any collateral ligament injury will be felt on the inner or outer portions of the knee. Any ligament injury to the knee is usually painful as well as swollen and warm. This pain is worsened by bending the knee, putting weight on this knee, or even walking. The severity of this injury can vary from mild to severe. Patients can even have more than one area which can get injured in a single traumatic event.
Ligament injuries leading to knee joint pain are initially treated with ice packs, immobilization, besides rest and elevation. It is recommended to avoid bearing any kind of weight on the injured joint. Crutches are recommended to be used for walking. Patients are sometimes placed in splints or braces in order to immobilize the joint for decreasing pain as well as promoting healing. Arthroscopic or open surgery is necessary in order to repair severe injuries. Surgical repair of ligaments may even involve suturing, grafting, as well as synthetic graft repair, which are done by either open knee surgery or through arthroscopic surgery.