Knee ligament injuries
Knee ligaments play an important role in keeping the joint stable during movement. When one is stretched or torn, the knee can become painful, swollen or unstable, affecting everyday activities and sport. At Fortius Clinic, we understand how frustrating an injury can be. Our specialists will take the time to understand your symptoms, provide a clear diagnosis, explain your treatment options and guide you through every stage of your recovery. Early assessment is important to identify which ligament has been injured, assess the stability of your knee and recommend the most appropriate treatment to support your recovery.
Specialist expertise
Our experienced knee consultants diagnose and treat the full range of knee ligament injuries using evidence-based care.
Sports medicine experience
We regularly support everyone from recreational exercisers to elite athletes recovering from knee ligament injuries.
Flexible access to care
Whether you're self-funding, using private medical insurance or have a referral, we'll help you access specialist care as quickly as possible.
What are knee ligament injuries?
Ligaments are strong bands of tissue that connect bones and help keep your knee stable during movement. There are four main ligaments in the knee, each playing an important role in controlling movement and preventing the joint from moving too far in any direction. A knee ligament injury happens when one or more of these ligaments are stretched, partially torn or completely torn. These injuries most commonly occur during sports that involve sudden changes of direction, twisting, jumping or awkward landings, such as football, basketball, rugby and skiing. They can also happen following a direct blow to the knee or during a fall. The four main knee ligaments are: Anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) – commonly injured during twisting movements, sudden changes of direction or awkward landings. Posterior cruciate ligament (PCL) – usually injured by a direct impact to the front of the knee, such as during a tackle or road traffic accident. Medial collateral ligament (MCL) – often injured when the outside of the knee receives a forceful blow. Lateral collateral ligament (LCL) – less commonly injured, usually following a blow to the inside of the knee or a significant twisting injury. Although some ligament injuries improve with rehabilitation alone, others may require surgery. Early specialist assessment helps identify the specific ligament involved, assess any associated injuries such as cartilage or meniscus damage, and ensure you receive the treatment that's right for you.
What are the symptoms?
Symptoms vary depending on which ligament has been injured and how severe the injury is, but may include:
- A popping or snapping sensation at the time of injury
- Sudden knee pain
- Swelling, which may develop quickly
- A feeling that the knee is unstable or may give way
- Difficulty walking or bearing weight
- Reduced movement or stiffness
- Difficulty returning to sport or more demanding activities
How is it diagnosed?
Your consultant will begin by discussing how your injury happened, your symptoms and how they are affecting your daily life, work or sport. They will then examine your knee to assess its movement, stability and any areas of tenderness.
To confirm the diagnosis and understand the extent of the injury, we may recommend:
- A detailed medical history
- Physical examination
- Assessment of knee movement and stability
- X-rays to identify any associated fractures
- MRI scanning to assess ligament, cartilage and meniscus injuries
- Ultrasound in selected cases where appropriate
Your diagnosis will help guide the most appropriate treatment plan based on your injury, symptoms and personal goals.
How is it treated?
Treatment depends on which ligament has been injured, the severity of the injury, your activity level and what you want to return to.
Your personalised treatment plan may include:
- Activity modification to protect the knee while it heals
- Physiotherapy to improve movement, strength and stability
- Pain relief and measures to reduce swelling
- Knee bracing where appropriate
- A structured rehabilitation programme
- Surgery if the ligament is completely torn, the knee remains unstable or there are associated injuries requiring repair
Your consultant will explain your options clearly and work with you to recommend the approach that best supports your recovery.
Treatment routes
Many knee ligament injuries can be managed successfully without surgery, particularly partial tears or injuries where the knee remains stable. Treatment usually combines physiotherapy with a structured rehabilitation programme designed to reduce pain, restore movement and strengthen the muscles supporting the knee. As your recovery progresses, exercises become more challenging to help you safely return to everyday activities and sport where appropriate.
Recovery goals
During the first stage of rehabilitation, the focus is on:
Reducing pain and swelling Protecting the injured ligament or surgical repair Restoring gentle movement Beginning early muscle strengthening
As healing progresses, rehabilitation aims to:
Improve knee strength and stability Restore normal movement Improve balance and control Return to normal daily activities with confidence
The final stage of rehabilitation focuses on:
Building sport-specific or activity-specific strength Improving agility, balance and coordination Returning safely to work, exercise or sport where appropriate Reducing the risk of future injury
Working with professionals and teams
Our consultants support professional athletes, sports teams, active individuals and people whose work places repeated demands on their knees. Working closely with physiotherapists, strength and conditioning specialists and the wider multidisciplinary team, they develop personalised treatment plans that support a safe return to sport, work and everyday activities.
The same specialist expertise and collaborative approach are available to every patient, whatever your activity level or recovery goals.
Our Experts - Leaders in Knee Treatments
Dedicated to restoring your mobility through advanced surgical care, tailored rehabilitation programmes, and compassionate, evidence-based patient support.
How to pay
We offer flexible options depending on how you choose to access care at Fortius. Whichever option you choose, we’ll help make the process clear and straightforward from the start.
Private medical insurance
If your care is covered by private medical insurance, we’ll usually invoice your insurer directly. Please check your policy in advance and request an authorisation code if your insurer requires one. You’ll be responsible for paying any policy excess or costs that aren’t covered by your insurance.
Paying for yourself
You don’t need private medical insurance to access care at Fortius. If you’re paying for your own treatment, our team will explain the costs clearly and provide a personalised quote before you decide whether to go ahead.
Knee Ligament Injury FAQs
A torn knee ligament often causes sudden pain, swelling and a feeling that the knee is unstable or may give way. Some people hear or feel a popping sensation at the time of injury. Because these symptoms can also occur with other knee injuries, it's important to have your knee assessed by a specialist.
Yes. Many ligament injuries, including some partial tears, recover well with physiotherapy and rehabilitation. Surgery is usually only recommended if the knee remains unstable, the ligament is completely torn or there are other injuries that also need treatment.
Recovery varies depending on which ligament has been injured and how severe the injury is. Mild injuries may improve within a few weeks, while more significant injuries or those requiring surgery can take several months. Your consultant and physiotherapist will guide you through each stage of your recovery.
An MRI scan is often the best way to assess damage to the knee ligaments and identify any associated injuries to the cartilage or meniscus. Your consultant will recommend the most appropriate investigations based on your symptoms and examination.
Some people can still walk with a ligament injury, although the knee may feel painful or unstable. Others may find it difficult to bear weight, particularly immediately after the injury. Continuing to exercise without a diagnosis may worsen the injury, so it's advisable to seek specialist assessment.
Returning to sport depends on the type of ligament injury, your recovery and whether surgery was required. Before returning, your knee should have regained sufficient strength, stability and control. Your care team will assess your progress and advise when it's safe to resume sporting activities.
Yes. Smoking and vaping can reduce blood flow and slow the body's natural healing process, which may delay recovery after a ligament injury or surgery. Stopping smoking, or reducing how much you smoke, can improve healing and lower the risk of complications. If you would like support to stop smoking, speak to your GP or visit the NHS Quit Smoking website.
Find a clinic near you
Fortius Clinic Marylebone Wing
Our 79,000 sq ft, seven-story, private hospital on Wigmore Street has 39 en-suite inpatient rooms, consultation and treatment rooms, and a physiotherapy suite.
The hospital has a high-spec imaging suite fully equipped with an MRI, CT scanner and X-ray machine. There are three state-of-the-art operating theatres, two anaesthetic rooms and a recovery bay.
Fortius Clinic London has two Mako robots for hip and knee joint replacements.
- 66 Wigmore StreetW1U 2SB
- +442031952442
- Open 24 hours
- Sports & Exercise Medicine
- Snow Injuries Clinic
- Tendon
- Ultrasound
- X-Ray
- Physician services
- Rheumatology
- CT guided injection
- MRI Scan
- CT Scan
Fortius Clinic Wimbledon
Our Wimbledon clinic houses a state-of-the-art imaging centre with a 3T MRI and X-ray scanners, Ultrasound, seven consulting rooms, two spacious waiting areas and well equipped treatment rooms all located on one level, ensuring easy accessibility for all patients.
Our partnership with Spire St Anthony’s Hospital allows us to provide orthopaedic surgery closer to our clinic. We treat a full range of conditions and perform joint replacement surgery using the latest Mako robotic assisted technology.
Take a tour of our clinic virtually through Google 360 views here.
We are open Monday to Friday from 8.00am to 8.00pm, and Saturday mornings from 8.30am to 12.30pm.
If you are travelling by Tube, our closest underground station is Wimbledon (District Line), which also has rail and tramlink services from central London and beyond.
There is no parking available at the clinic, but we have a number of parking facilities all within a 10-12 minute walk of the clinic: Centre Court Car Park, Broadway Car Park, and Hartfield Road Car Park. Please note that all of these facilities are paid car parks.
The building at 22 Worple Road has steps leading up to the front entrance. If you require assistance please inform us before your arrival by calling ahead on 020 3195 2442
- 22 Worple RoadSW19 4DD
- 0203 195 2442
- Snow Injuries Clinic
- Ultrasound
- X-Ray
- MRI Scan
Fortius Clinic Marylebone
Our Marylebone Clinic is conveniently located in the historic area between Baker Street and Marylebone High Street, just off Manchester Square, home to the iconic Wallace Collection. We have seven consulting rooms, private waiting areas on each floor, well equipped treatment rooms and diagnostic imaging.
- 17 Fitzhardinge StreetW1U 2EU
- 020 3195 2442
- MRI Scan
- Ultrasound
- X-Ray
- Physician services
- Rheumatology
Fortius Clinic City
Our City Clinic is conveniently located between Bank and Monument stations, within the historic and financial heart of London. At our modern, two-floor facility we have nine consulting rooms, spacious waiting areas, well equipped treatment rooms and an imaging centre.
Explore our City Clinic with our virtual tour.
If you are travelling by Tube, our closest underground stations are Bank and Monument, exit 6 for King William Street.
Should you be travelling by car, the closest parking is a three minute drive away at NCP Car Park London Vintry Thames Exchange. If you are attending clinic on a weekday, please be aware that we are based in the congestion charge zone.
- 75 King William StreetEC4N 7BE
- 0203 195 2442
- Monday to Friday from 8.00am to 8.00pm.
- Snow Injuries Clinic
- Tendon
- Sports & Exercise Medicine
- Ultrasound
- X-Ray
- Physician services
- Rheumatology
- MRI Scan
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