Cruciate ligaments are bands of tissue within joints that connect bone to bone. They are crucial in the proper function of those joints, and when the ligaments become damaged, the joint may fail or experience pain. When cruciate ligament symptoms occur that indicate damage, the sufferer is likely to feel pain, stiffness, or weakness in that joint. He or she may also lose mobility in the joint. It is necessary to visit a doctor when cruciate ligament symptoms occur, as a proper diagnosis is necessary to prevent further damage to the joint.
Some of the most commonly injured cruciate ligaments are in the knees. Athletes very often injure the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) which is positioned within the knee toward the front of the band of tissues in this area. Anterior cruciate ligament symptoms that may indicate a problem include a clicking in the knee, followed by a painful sensation. Other anterior cruciate ligament symptoms that are likely to accompany this pain include swelling and a feeling of instability whenever the knee is used to support the body. If these cruciate ligament symptoms all occur at once, it is important for that person to visit a doctor immediately.
An ACL injury may be minor enough that stabilizing the knee and staying off it for an extended period of time may be enough to treat the problem. In more severe instances, it is likely that a surgery will be necessary to address the problem. Recovery time for an ACL surgery can be fairly protracted, and many patients will not fully recover from the injury at all. Knee braces or other orthotics may need to be used post-surgery for an extended period of time; athletes may need to use a knee brace indefinitely when participating in athletic activities.
First aid for cruciate ligament symptoms can help prevent further injury. The RICE treatment should be used as soon as possible after the initial injury. RICE stands for rest, ice, compression, and elevation. These actions help prevent or reduce swelling, and they help promote blood flow to the injured area. Increased blood flow is likely to speed up healing time, since oxygen can be delivered to the area effectively. The RICE treatment can also go a long way toward reducing or preventing pain in the affected area. A doctor may provide painkilling medications, as well as anti-inflammatory medications that will help reduce swelling and pain.