What could cause pain when twisting the knee?

When you twist your knee and feel pain, it can be a sign that something inside is hurt. One possibility is an injury to the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL), which helps keep the knee stable. An ACL injury can occur if you twist the knee suddenly, leading to pain and sometimes swelling. Another potential cause is an injury to the lateral collateral ligament (LCL), which is on the outside of the knee. Damage to this ligament can make twisting movements very painful because it can stretch or tear during the twist. Additionally, plica syndrome is another cause; here, a small fold of tissue inside the knee, called the plica, becomes irritated and inflamed with twisting or repetitive movement, leading to discomfort. All these issues can occur with twisting motions, and each may present with different types of pain or swelling. If you experience this pain often or it gets worse, you can check your symptoms with Ubie's free AI-powered tool to better understand what might be causing your knee pain and determine whether you need to see a healthcare professional for evaluation and treatment.