What it Effects

• The ligament on the inside of the knee

Who it Effects

• Common in football and rugby players

Mechanism of Injury

• Force applied to the outside the leg above the knee
• When the foot is fixed to the floor but the femur is turned inwards(internal rotation) especially if the tibia is slightly turned outwards (external rotation) e.g. this could occur if a player gets his studs stuck in the ground but goes to turn

Signs and Symptoms (Depend upon degree of sprain sustained)

• Pain
• Point tenderness
• Increased movement on valgus stress test
• Swelling
• Instability
• Pain reproduced on sit to stand

Treatment

• PRICE in acute stage of grade 1-3 sprain
• Proprioceptive exercises are a very important part of rehabilitation
• Crutches
• Ultrasound to break down formation of scar tissue and align collagen
• ROM (range of movement) exercises for ankle, knee and hip continued until there is full pain free ROM
• Isometric quad exercises e.g. SLR (straight leg raise) should be the first strengthening exercises attempted
• Cycling- a good non weight bearing activity to attempt once there is sufficient ROM
• Isotonic exercises can be attempted after isometric exercises are achieved to good standard. The resistance can be increased using theraband / machines
• When running is attempted it should first be running in straight lines and then gradually progressed

Additional Information

• Much more common than a Lateral Ligament Sprain
• Other structures commonly damaged such as the Menisci and Anterior Cruciate Ligament

If you have any questions, please use the comment form below or post a thread on the forums.