Ligament Sprain/Tear?

I think I injured one of my knee ligaments, the one behind the knee, not the ones on the sides of the knee. There was pain, almost like a burning sensation. This pain went away, but for the next two days, whenever I tried to turn direction on that leg, I would go to the floor like a bag of rocks. It has since been several days now, and my knee is able to perform normally with some stiffness and discomfort behind the the knee. No more falling to the ground when I change direction. There is no swelling and I've been icing it. I go to doctor's in a few days. My quesiton is, does this sound anything like a ligament sprain or tear? I never had a knee injury before and am curious to what happened. If it sounds like something else, please let me know. Does it take long to fully heal from something like this? Any information you provide would be most helpful to me. Thank you.

Hi there,

I know your pain! This past December I tore the ligaments on my left knee by the fibula. Glad to hear you are icing it, now it's time for heat. Unfortunately, if it is a tear (and really that can not be diagnosed over the computer but it does sound like that's what you did) there is nothing that can be done except let time do it's magic. Keeping off of it really helps but I know that is not always possible with people's busy lives. Just try not to stress it or use it other than for walking. If you need to use a cane for a few days go for it. Anything to do to help keep weight off the knee is always a good thing. With my tear, I found that White Willow (basically aspirin: anti-inflamatory and pain relief) and Arnica really helped a lot. I'm not one for A535 or other products from the drug store; more of an herbalist here. Arnica has been used for centuries to help with sprains and stiffness. You can get it in gel, cream, and ointement to apply topically. How long does it take? Oh, easily a good 6-8 weeks. I've just passed be 3 month mark and for the most part, the knee is fine. There are times when if I twist it funny or sit cross legged it really hurts and I have to re-adjust my position. I still have not gone back to regular exercise (I tore the knee in yoga class!) as many poses still are too uncomfortable. That and every time I do feel I'm ready to go back I hurt some other part of my body which keeps me away from me mat!

Cheers.

Well, I've never actually hurt my knee, but recently, stepping off a curb, I twisted my ankle and went down like a frickin rag doll. My ankle made a huge snapping sound and must have been bent at a 90 degree angle. Anyway, it swelled up, I iced it and tried to stay off it for a weekend. My boss convinced me to go to the doctor and alas it was sprained. I've never had anything like this happen before but it hurt a lot and I was prone to "going down" should I move my ankle the slightest bit in an odd direction. It's a month later and it still hurts even after wearing what they call an "air cast" for two weeks...I hope you feel better!

I sounds like a pull or slight tear of your ACL. If you completely tore it you would not be walking. It is difficult to say what your prognosis is. You are going to need a MRI scan of your knee to see the degree of damage. The good thing is there is a possibility that you won't need surgery. Had you torn it completely, you would definitely need surgery. If you notice swelling apply ice and keep it elevated above your heart. It is possible that you damaged more than one area of your knee. Your MRI will give you all the answers. Unfortunately no one on yahoo answers can give you an answer until we know exactly what your diagnosis is. When you find out repost a question. I am glad you have an appointment with the doctor. Don't worry until you have something to worry about. The doctor will answer all of your questions. Good luck.