Left knee on the lateral side is hurting after i twisted my left knee, i am in excruciating pain enough to cry. can the tendons and ligaments tear with this motion? how much force is needed. hurts to apply weight hard to walk without limping. help?

Yes tendon and ligaments can tear, as well as possibly menisci and articulating cartilage. These soft tissue structures are mostly invisible on Plain x-rays (though these tend to be ordered first to exclude a bony fracture). The ligaments are often more commonly injured, (also menisci), anterior and posterior cruciate ligaments, lateral and medial collateral ligaments,are main support for knee.

Go see an orthopedic doctor and have evaluated and treated properly. Otherwise you could heal improperly and develop a chronic condition