Diagnosis

The doctor will examine you and ask questions about your past health. He or she will also ask how you injured your knee and about your symptoms at the time you injured it.

Your doctor will carefully examine your knee and leg. He or she will look and feel to see if there is swelling and may gently push on certain places to find spots that are most tender. Then your doctor will move your knee and leg in certain ways to help check for stability. He or she will also look at the rest of your leg to make sure that blood is flowing, the leg works well, and there are no other injuries above or below the knee.

You may have some tests, such as an X-ray, an MRI, or an ultrasound.