Knee Sprain
Knee sprains happen when the tissues that connect and support bones around the joint stretch or tear.
What Is a Knee Sprain?
Knee sprains can be serious injuries that occur from a stretch or tear of the ligaments in and around the knee.
Ligaments are string-like bands of tissue that connect your bones and create stability for the joint.
There are four main ligaments of the knee that most often are damaged. They are:
- Anterior Cruciate (ACL)
- Posterior Cruciate (PCL)
- Medial Collateral (MCL)
- Lateral Collateral (LCL)
The ACL and PCL are located inside the knee joint. The MCL and LCL are located on the sides of the knee joint.
What Causes a Knee Sprain?
- Knee sprains can be caused by non-contact twisting of the knee.
- A direct blow to the knee.
What Are the Symptoms of a Knee Sprain?
- Immediate pain in the knee after a direct blow or twist.
- Pain with movement or activity in the knee.
- Swelling in the knee.
- Walking with a limp or a feeling that the knee is going to “give out” with standing and walking.
- The feeling of a “pop” or “snap” felt in the knee when the injury occurred.
What Can I Do to Feel Better?
- Rest. Do not do things that cause pain.
- Ice for 15-20 minutes at a time will help decrease swelling and pain.
- Compression can be helpful to decrease swelling and pain.
- Elevation. Prop the leg up so that the knee is higher than the heart.
- If walking is painful, crutches are often recommended to allow for optimal healing.
When Should I See a Medical Professional?
- If rest, ice, compression and elevation are not improving the condition.
- If you are unable to put weight on your leg.
- If you are unsure about the severity of the condition.
