Expert Care for Knee Ligament Injuries in Glendale, Cedarburg, Wauwatosa, WI
Knee ligament injuries can cause pain, swelling, instability, and difficulty performing everyday activities or participating in sports. Whether you have suffered an ACL tear, MCL injury, PCL tear, or another ligament injury, prompt diagnosis and appropriate treatment are essential for restoring knee stability and preventing further damage. Dr. Jake Bauwens is a fellowship-trained orthopaedic sports medicine surgeon specializing in the diagnosis and treatment of knee ligament injuries for patients throughout Glendale, Cedarburg, Wauwatosa, WI. Dr. Bauwens provides comprehensive care for athletes and active individuals using the latest evidence-based treatment options, including conservative management, rehabilitation, and advanced arthroscopic ligament reconstruction when necessary. His personalized approach focuses on relieving pain, restoring knee function, and helping patients safely return to work, sports, and the activities they enjoy.- Wauwatosa
- Glendale
- Cedarburg
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What is a Knee Joint Comprised Of?
The knee is a complex joint that consists of bone, cartilage, ligaments, and tendons that help in your joint’s movements.
The knee is a hinge joint made up of two bones, the thighbone (femur) and shinbone (tibia). Ligaments are tough bands of tissue that connect one bone to another bone. The ligaments of the knee stabilize the knee joint. There are two important groups of ligaments that hold the bones of the knee joint together, collateral and cruciate ligaments - medial collateral ligament (MCL) and lateral collateral ligament (LCL), and anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) and posterior cruciate ligament (PCL).
What are Knee Injuries?
Knee problems may arise if any of these structures get injured by overuse or suddenly during sports activities. Pain, swelling, and stiffness are the common symptoms of any damage or injury to the knee. The common causes of knee injury include:
- Fracture of the femur (thighbone) or tibia and fibula (leg bones)
- Torn ligament: either anterior or posterior cruciate ligament (ACL or PCL)
- Rupture of blood vessels following a trauma that leads to the accumulation of extra fluid or blood in the joint
- Dislocation of the kneecap (patella)
- Torn quadriceps or hamstring muscles
- Patellar tendon tear
What are the Types of Ligament Injuries?
The most common types of ligament injuries include:
ACL tear
An ACL injury is a sports-related injury that occurs when the knee is forcefully twisted or hyperextended. An ACL tear usually occurs with an abrupt directional change with the foot fixed on the ground or when the deceleration force crosses the knee. Changing direction rapidly, stopping suddenly, slowing down while running, landing from a jump incorrectly, and direct contact or collision, such as a football tackle, can also cause injury to the ACL.
MCL tear
The MCL is the ligament that is located on the inner part of the knee joint. It runs from the femur (thighbone) to the top of the tibia (shinbone) and helps in stabilizing the knee. MCL injuries can result in a stretch, partial tear or complete tear of the ligament. Injuries to the MCL commonly occur because of pressure or stress on the outside section of the knee.
PCL tear
PCL injuries are very rare and are more difficult to detect when compared to the other knee ligament injuries. Cartilage injuries, bone bruises, and ligament injuries often occur in combination with PCL injuries.
Injuries to the PCL can be graded as I, II or III depending on the severity of the injury. In grade I, the ligament is mildly damaged and slightly stretched, but the knee joint is stable. In grade II, there is a partial tear of the ligament. In grade III, there is a complete tear of the ligament and the ligament is divided into two halves, making the joint unstable.
The PCL is usually injured by a direct impact, such as in an automobile accident when the bent knee forcefully strikes the dashboard. In sports, it can occur when you fall to the ground with a bent knee. Twisting injury or overextending the knee can cause the PCL to tear.
How are Ligament Injuries Treated?
Immediately following a knee injury, before being evaluated by a doctor, you can initiate the R.I.C.E. method of treatment:
Rest: Rest the knee, as more damage could result from pressure on the injury.
Ice: Ice packs can be applied to the injured area to reduce swelling and pain. Never place ice directly over the skin. Ice should be wrapped in a towel and applied to the affected area for 15-20 minutes, four times a day for several days.
Compression: Wrapping the knee with an elastic bandage or compression stocking can help minimize the swelling and support your knee.
Elevation: Elevating the knee above the heart level will also help reduce swelling and pain.
It is important to seek your doctor’s advice if you hear a popping noise or feel as if your knee has given way at the time of injury and if you are unable to move your knee because of severe pain.
Jake D. Bauwens, M.D.
Orthopaedic Sports Medicine Surgeon
Dr. Jake Bauwens is an orthopaedic physician, specializing in sports medicine and sports-related injuries. Dr. Bauwens attended the University of Wisconsin-Madison to complete his Bachelors of Sciences in Biochemistry degree, and Rush University Medical College to complete his medical degree.
Why Choose Dr. Bauwens for Knee Ligament Injuries in Glendale, Cedarburg, and Wauwatosa, WI?
Dr. Jake Bauwens is a fellowship-trained orthopaedic sports medicine specialist with advanced expertise in diagnosing and treating knee ligament injuries. Whether your injury requires non-surgical treatment, rehabilitation, or minimally invasive ligament reconstruction, he develops individualized treatment plans designed to restore stability, improve mobility, and support long-term knee health.
Patients throughout Glendale, Cedarburg, and Wauwatosa, WI choose Dr. Bauwens because of his:
- Fellowship training in sports medicine
- Expertise in diagnosing and treating ACL, PCL, MCL, and other knee ligament injuries
- Advanced arthroscopic and minimally invasive surgical techniques
- Comprehensive treatment approach with both surgical and non-surgical options
- Experience treating athletes and active individuals
- Personalized rehabilitation and recovery plans
- Commitment to patient education and shared decision-making
- Focus on evidence-based treatment and long-term knee function
His goal is to help every patient recover safely, regain knee stability, and return to an active lifestyle with confidence.
Knee Ligament Injuries FAQs
What are the most common knee ligament injuries?
The most common knee ligament injuries include tears or sprains of the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL), medial collateral ligament (MCL), posterior cruciate ligament (PCL), and lateral collateral ligament (LCL). These injuries frequently occur during sports, falls, or traumatic accidents.
What are the symptoms of a knee ligament injury?
Common symptoms include knee pain, swelling, instability, stiffness, difficulty walking, limited range of motion, and a feeling that the knee is "giving out." Some patients also hear or feel a popping sensation at the time of injury.
How are knee ligament injuries diagnosed?
Dr. Bauwens performs a thorough physical examination and reviews your medical history. Imaging studies such as X-rays and MRI scans may be recommended to evaluate the injured ligament and identify associated cartilage, meniscus, or bone injuries.
Do all knee ligament injuries require surgery?
No. Many mild or partial ligament injuries can be successfully treated with rest, bracing, physical therapy, and activity modification. Surgery is typically recommended for complete tears, persistent instability, or patients who wish to return to high-demand sports or activities.
What is the RICE method?
RICE stands for Rest, Ice, Compression, and Elevation. It is an important first-aid treatment that helps reduce pain and swelling immediately following a knee ligament injury before medical evaluation.
How long does recovery take after a knee ligament injury?
Recovery depends on the severity of the injury and the treatment required. Mild sprains may heal within several weeks, while recovery following ligament reconstruction surgery may take several months, particularly for athletes returning to sports.
Can I return to sports after a ligament injury?
Many patients successfully return to sports after completing rehabilitation and demonstrating adequate strength, stability, and knee function. Dr. Bauwens will determine when it is safe for you to resume athletic activities.
Schedule a Knee Ligament Injury Evaluation in Glendale, Cedarburg, Wauwatosa, WI
If you've experienced a knee ligament injury, don't let pain or instability keep you from doing the activities you enjoy. Dr. Jake Bauwens provides comprehensive evaluation and advanced treatment for ACL, MCL, PCL, and other knee ligament injuries for patients throughout Glendale, Cedarburg, Wauwatosa, WI. Whether your condition can be treated conservatively or requires arthroscopic surgery, you'll receive personalized care focused on restoring knee stability and long-term function.
Contact our office today to schedule a consultation with Dr. Bauwens and learn about the most appropriate treatment options for your knee ligament injury.
