Can ligament injury cause knee joint pain?

Oct 29, 2025 Source: Cainiu Health

Dr. Chen Jian

Introduction

In general, ligament injuries can cause knee pain. Ligament damage is one of the common causes of knee pain. When ligaments around the knee joint are injured, pain of varying degrees usually occurs, often accompanied by symptoms such as swelling and limited mobility. Therefore, when experiencing knee pain and suspecting a ligamеnt injury, strenuous activities should be avoided, and medical attention should be sought promptly to determine the extent of the injury through appropriate examinations.

Under normal circumstances, ligament injuries can cause knee pain. Ligament damage is one of the common causes of knee pain. After injury to the ligaments surrounding the knee joint, pain of varying degrees almost always occurs, often accompanied by symptoms such as swelling and limited mobility. The details are as follows:

Several important ligaments are distributed around the knee joint, including the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL), posterior cruciate ligament (PCL), and medial and lateral collateral ligaments. These ligaments play a key role in maintaining the stability of the knee joint and restricting excessive movement. When ligaments are injured due to trauma or overstretching, their fibrous structures may partially tear or completely rupture. Nerve endings at the injury site become directly stimulated, leading to pain. Additionally, local bleeding and inflammatory responses occur after ligament injury. Inflammatory mediators further intensify pain sensations, making pain more pronounced during knee movement—such as when bending or straightening the knee or walking under weight-bearing conditions.

The characteristics of pain vary slightly depending on the specific ligament injured. For example, medial collateral ligament (MCL) injuries typically cause pain on the inner side of the knee, while ACL injuries may be accompanied by a sensation of the knee "giving way" and severe pain. However, regardless of the type of ligament injury, pain is always one of the primary symptoms. If not treated promptly, it may lead to decreased knee stability, resulting in progressive joint wear or other complications.

Therefore, when knee pain occurs and ligament injury is suspected, strenuous activity should be avoided. Medical evaluation should be sought promptly to determine the extent of the injury through appropriate diagnostic tests, followed by targeted treatment to prevent worsening of the condition.

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What can be done for knee pain in elderly people over 70 years old?

The knee usually refers to the knee joint. In general, knee pain in individuals over 70 years old may be caused by aging, excessive body weight, ligament injury, osteoarthritis, gouty arthritis, or other reasons. Treatment under a doctor's guidance may include conservative management and medication. Elderly individuals should pay attention to maintaining a healthy weight and avoid prolonged standing or walking with heavy loads.

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Can a torn knee ligament heal on its own?

In general, whether a torn knee ligament can heal on its own depends on the extent of the ligament injury. Mild ligament tears usually heal spontaneously, while severe tears typically do not. Knee ligament ruptures may result from intense physical activity, trauma, or prolonged weight-bearing. If the injury is minor, spontaneous healing is usually possible after immobilization with a cast or a stabilizing brace.

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What are the treatment methods for joint ligament injuries?

Patients with severe intra-articular ligament injuries can also undergo surgical treatment under a doctor's guidance. Commonly used surgical methods include arthroscopic ligament repair and open joint ligament injury repair. Arthroscopic ligament repair is often used for the repair or reconstruction of intra-articular ligament injuries, such as anterior and posterior cruciate ligament injuries in the knee joint, and has advantages such as minimal trauma and rapid recovery.