Knee sprains can be caused by stretching or tearing one or more of the four ligaments around the knee, often during physical activity. Symptoms include knee pain, swelling, and impaired range of motion. Treatment depends on the extent of the injury and may include rest, physical therapy, and surgery.
There are four ligaments around the knee that can stretch significantly or even tear, causing a knee sprain. One or more ligaments may be damaged at the time of the injury, and the severity of symptoms may depend on the degree of strain or tear and the number of ligaments involved. It is difficult to determine the recovery time or treatment needed under the umbrella term, knee sprain. Instead, with the extent of the injury diagnosed, doctors recommend treatment and advise on the length of recovery needed before the knee heals.
The causes of a knee sprain vary. People can dislocate their knees while engaging in strenuous physical activity such as running or jumping. Any sudden movement that twists the knee could cause the ligaments to stretch. There are many sports where people run or jump and stop or twist quickly such as basketball, football, gymnastics and soccer which are known for their ability to cause sprains. A knee strike is another way a sprain can occur, and again such strikes can occur at sporting events or in other circumstances, such as innocent horseback riding around the house. It’s not always possible to avoid all ways to get a knee sprain, although people who regularly play sports can be taught ways to protect their knees while moving, which aren’t always completely effective.
If a knee sprain occurs, there are several symptoms people may experience, including severe knee pain. It’s not uncommon to hear a “pop” noise exactly when distortion occurs. Some people feel their knee buckle, as if it can no longer bear their weight. Your range of motion may be impaired, and within a short time of the injury, your knee may swell and bruise.
Initial treatment for a knee sprain is the RICE method. The knee should be rested, iced, possibly wrapped to limit movement, and elevated. People should make plans to proceed to a doctor, because it may be impossible to tell the extent of ligament damage from the outside of the knee. Even the degree of pain may not be a good indicator because people have different levels of pain tolerance.
In the hospital, doctors may do an X-ray or other scans to evaluate the knee, looking especially for fractures or ligament damage. If only one ligament is stretched, it is usually referred to as a minor sprain. Two or more ligaments that are stretched are called severe sprains, and any tear could be called a ligament tear. Evaluation of the injury helps determine what treatment is needed.
For a mild knee sprain, people may be told to rest the knee for several days to a few weeks and gradually resume physical activity. Severe sprains might require more rest time, knee immobilization with a brace, and physical therapy to help the knee recover fully. Ligament injuries, especially large ones, usually need to be repaired surgically. Recovery will then involve rest and physical therapy for a set amount of time to restore knee function.
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