Ligament Tear Sudden Knee Swelling, Pain & Inability to Walk

If you suddenly experience knee swelling, severe knee pain, and difficulty walking, you might be dealing with a ligament tear or knee injury.
The knee joint is supported by four major ligaments – ACL (Anterior Cruciate Ligament), PCL (Posterior Cruciate Ligament), MCL (Medial Collateral Ligament), and LCL (Lateral Collateral Ligament) – which help with stability and smooth movement. Any injury to these can cause sudden pain, swelling, and restricted mobility.

A knee ligament tear can happen due to:

When a ligament is overstretched or torn, it cannot support the knee joint properly, leading to inflammation, pain, and loss of movement.

The treatment depends on whether it’s a partial ligament tear or complete ligament rupture:

1. Home Remedies for Minor Ligament Injuries (RICE Method):

2. Medical Treatment at Hospital:

Include in Your Diet:

Avoid:

You should consult a knee specialist if:

At Aadhya9 Multispecialty Hospital, we have a team of experienced orthopedic doctors, sports injury specialists, and physiotherapists who use advanced diagnostics like MRI for knee injury to confirm the cause and provide the right treatment — from physiotherapy to arthroscopic knee surgery.

A knee ligament tear can happen due to:

Sudden twisting of the knee joint while running or playing sports

Falling directly on the knee during physical activity

Sudden change in direction (common in football, cricket, basketball)

Road accidents or high-impact trauma

Overstretching the ligament during workouts or stretching exercises

When a ligament is overstretched or torn, it cannot support the knee joint properly, leading to inflammation, pain, and loss of movement.

Sudden sharp pain in the knee after an injury

Swelling in the knee joint within a few hours

Difficulty walking or bending the knee

Instability in the knee – feeling like it will “give way”

Bruising around the knee in some cases

Popping sound at the time of injury (especially in ACL tears)

The treatment depends on whether it’s a partial ligament tear or complete ligament rupture:

1. Home Remedies for Minor Ligament Injuries (RICE Method):

Rest – Avoid putting weight on the injured knee

Ice therapy – Apply cold packs for 15–20 minutes, several times a day

Compression bandage – Reduces swelling and provides support

Elevation – Keep your knee raised on pillows to reduce fluid buildup

2. Medical Treatment at Hospital:

Physiotherapy for knee pain – Improves strength and flexibility

Knee brace support – For stability and protection

Pain management medications – As prescribed by your doctor

Knee surgery – For complete ligament tears, especially ACL reconstruction surgery in active individuals

Include in Your Diet:

Protein-rich foods – eggs, chicken, fish, pulses, tofu (for tissue repair)

Calcium & Vitamin D foods – milk, yogurt, cheese, almonds (for bone health)

Anti-inflammatory foods – turmeric, ginger, berries, green leafy vegetables

Avoid:

Sugary foods – increase inflammation and slow recovery

Junk and processed foods – low in nutrients

Alcohol & smoking – delay healing and weaken bones

You should consult a knee specialist if:

Pain and swelling started suddenly after a fall or injury

You cannot put weight on your leg

Your knee feels unstable or “gives way”

Home treatment doesn’t help within 1–2 days

At Aadhya9 Multispecialty Hospital, we have a team of experienced orthopedic doctors, sports injury specialists, and physiotherapists who use advanced diagnostics like MRI for knee injury to confirm the cause and provide the right treatment — from physiotherapy to arthroscopic knee surgery.

Don’t ignore sudden knee pain — timely treatment means faster recovery and prevents long-term damage.

📞 Book your consultation today at Aadhya9 Multispecialty Hospital and get back to pain-free movement.