An injury to your PCL may cause swelling, pain, tenderness, and stiffness around the knee. Several hours after the injury, your pain may get worse. And it might be harder to move your knee. You may also have bruising and an unstable feeling, like the knee may give out.
Your treatment will depend on how severe your injury is and whether other parts of your knee are injured.
A severe tear may need surgery. But this usually isn't done unless you also injure other parts of your knee, such as the MCL or meniscus.
Your doctor may recommend physical therapy to increase range of motion and strengthen your muscles.
The doctor will ask about your symptoms and past health and examine your knee and leg. For example, the doctor will check for swelling, how well the leg works, and for other injuries above or below the knee. You may have tests, such as an X-ray or an MRI.
A posterior cruciate ligament (PCL) injury is a sprain or tear of the PCL, a knee ligament. The PCL is a band of tissue that keeps your knee stable when it moves forward or backward. It can be injured by a direct blow, falling on your bent knee, or overstretching (hyperextending) your knee.
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