Ligaments are soft tissues structures that connect bone to another bone and their role is to stabilise the joint structures. When they become damaged or injury, they often cause the joint to become unstable and weak, and this can occur when you fall or whilst taking part in physical activity.

Signs and symptoms

• Feels weak
• Painful Hip
• Popping or clicking sounds (especially at the time of injury)
• Lowered range of motion
• Pain
• Bruising
• Swelling
• Joint feels unstable

Knee

In certain situations such as the ACL unable to walk effectively such injuries are often caused by strong force applied to the ligament such as tight turns whilst playing football or any physical activity that requires high levels of agility. The knee is comprised of 4 main ligament which are

• Anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) – This ligament is found at the centre of the knee it controls the forward movement as well as the rotation of the shin.
• Posterior cruciate ligament (PCL) – This ligament is found at the back of the knee it controls the backward movement
• Medial collateral ligament (MCL) – This ligament is found at the inner side of the knee it stabilises the inner side of the knee
• Lateral collateral ligament (LCL) – This ligament is found at the outer side of the knee it stabilises the outer side of the knee

Signs and symptoms (knee)

• Knee feels weak
• Painful knee
• Knee locks