It is a common concern whether one can walk after sustaining a knee injury, particularly when an anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) or medial collateral ligament (MCL) tear is suspected. While it might be possible for some individuals to bear weight or even walk following such an injury, this ability does not indicate that the knee is uninjured or that continued movement is without risk. Understanding the nuances of knee stability and the nature of these ligamentous injuries is important for proper management.
Walking After Injury
Individuals often experience a distinct “pop” sensation at the moment of an ACL or MCL injury, followed by immediate pain and swelling. Despite these symptoms, it is possible for some to walk or bear some weight on the injured knee. This ability varies significantly based on the tear’s severity (partial or complete) and individual pain tolerance.
Other knee injuries also affect a person’s ability to walk. For instance, a partial MCL tear may impair walking less than a complete ACL rupture. However, the initial ability to walk does not mean the injury is minor or that serious damage has not occurred. The knee’s complex structure allows for some compensatory movements even when primary stabilizing ligaments are compromised.
Why Movement Can Be Deceptive
The ability to walk after an ACL or MCL tear can be misleading because the knee joint is supported by a network of structures beyond just these two ligaments. Other ligaments (PCL, LCL) and surrounding muscles (quadriceps, hamstrings) can temporarily provide some stability. These compensatory mechanisms can allow for some weight-bearing, masking the underlying instability caused by the torn ligament.
Initial swelling can also provide temporary stability or stiffness, mistaken for a healthy joint. The body’s natural response, like adrenaline release, can temporarily dampen pain perception. This allows for movement that would otherwise be inhibited by discomfort. Relying on these temporary compensations can place stress on other knee components, leading to complications.
Potential Consequences of Continued Use
Continuing to walk or put weight on a knee with suspected ACL and MCL tears risks worsening the injury and causing further damage. Instability from a torn ligament means the knee joint can move abnormally, leading to wear and tear on other internal structures. This abnormal movement can damage the menisci, the knee’s C-shaped cartilage shock absorbers. Meniscal tears are a common secondary injury when an ACL or MCL is compromised.
Repeated unstable movements can also erode the articular cartilage, the smooth tissue covering bone ends. Damage to this cartilage can lead to long-term conditions like chronic pain and early osteoarthritis. Persistent instability not only compromises function but also increases the need for complex surgery. Avoiding further strain is important to protect the knee’s long-term health.
Seeking Medical Evaluation
If an ACL or MCL tear is suspected, seeking prompt medical attention from a healthcare professional (e.g., orthopedic specialist) is important. A thorough physical examination assesses knee stability and identifies tenderness or swelling. Diagnostic imaging, often an MRI, is used to confirm diagnosis and determine the extent of ligament damage. The MRI can also identify other knee injuries.
Early diagnosis and appropriate management are important for recovery and preventing further knee damage. While awaiting medical evaluation, basic first aid measures such as RICE (Rest, Ice, Compression, Elevation) can help manage pain and swelling. However, these temporary measures are not a substitute for professional medical assessment and a comprehensive treatment plan. A timely and accurate diagnosis ensures the best possible outcome for knee health.