• Damage to the ligament on the front of the knee that connects the thighbone to the shinbone
• Symptoms may include a popping or snapping sound at the time of injury with knee pain and swelling
• Cause most often due to rotating the knee while the foot is planted
• Cannot be spread from person to person
• Affects males and females but more common in females and athletes
• Can occur at any age but more common in teenagers and young adults
• May be mild to severe requiring surgery

• Rest
• Ice knee every 2 hours for 15-20 minutes
• Elevate knee on pillow
• Wrap knee in an elastic bandage
• Use a walking assistant such as crutches

FOR PAIN

• Apply hot or cold packs to the area
• Relaxation techniques
• Distraction
• Over-the-counter medicine (refer to manufacturer’s recommendations for dosage):
  • Acetaminophen
  • Ibuprofen