How to Treat a Torn Cruciate Ligament

The cruciate ligaments are located in the knee and connect the thighbone (femur) to the shinbone (tibia). If these ligaments are torn, swelling, pain and a feeling of instability when walking and running will occur. If you have difficulty walking, kneeling or squatting you could be suffering from a posterior cruciate ligament injury. These injuries are most common in athletes who play contact sports such as football and soccer. People with this type of injury may not immediately notice pain or discomfort, but over time the pain will become worse as the knee becomes more unstable.

Things You'll Need

• Anti-inflammatory pain reliever
• Ice pack

Show More

Instructions

• 1

  Take an anti-inflammatory pain reliever, such as ibuprofen, to relieve swelling and pain. Try any of a range of over-the-counter drugs.

• 2

  Protect your knee from further injury by resting, elevating and icing it. This will help to soothe mild to moderate ligament tears.

• 3

  Get physical therapy. A physical therapist can recommend exercises to strengthen and repair the knee.

• 4

  Talk to your doctor about joint aspiration. This procedure can improve the range of motion in your knee by using a syringe to remove fluid from it.

• 5

  Consider having surgery. Your doctor may recommend a surgical knee reconstruction if damage is severe.