A knee strain is an injury caused by direct blows, extreme bending or twisting, or overuse. Symptoms include pain, swelling, and loss of mobility. Mild strains can heal in two weeks with rest and home remedies, while severe strains require medical attention and physical therapy. The ACL is a common ligament that can be strained, and surgery may be necessary for severe injuries.
A knee strain is an acute injury in which tendons and ligaments stretch or tear. Most strain occurs from direct blows to the knee, extreme bending or twisting of the joints, or overuse from repetitive activities. Common symptoms include pain, swelling, loss of mobility, and lack of strength. Depending on the severity of a knee strain, an individual may be able to relieve symptoms and recover with rest and simple home remedies. A severe strain usually requires immediate medical attention, surgery and several weeks of physical therapy.
The tendons and ligaments in the knee connect the muscles to the bones in the legs, provide stability, and allow the knee joint to move and bend. The anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) is a particularly large and important ligament that is commonly strained in sports and other physical activities. The ACL and nearby tendons can be injured when the knee strikes the ground or when a sudden twist extends the joint beyond its normal range of motion. Strains can also come from repetitive activities, such as lifting heavy objects or frequent sprinting and stopping.
A knee strain usually causes immediate, intense pain and swelling. An individual may find that it is impossible to bend the knee or put weight on the leg without assistance for many days. The damaged tissue becomes inflamed and stiff and is usually very tender to the touch. A person may also notice a cracking or popping noise when moving the knee, which is a sign of internal swelling and pressure on the joint.
A mild strain, one where the leg still has some mobility and the pain isn’t overwhelming, can heal in as little as two weeks. The healing time can be shortened by resting the leg as much as possible and icing the joint regularly. Over-the-counter anti-inflammatory medications can help reduce swelling, and a knee brace can be used to provide stability and cushioning. Once a knee starts to feel better, light stretching exercises can help promote strength and flexibility. Doctors often recommend that people take short walks and perform lunges to rehabilitate damaged knee tissue.
More severe and debilitating strains should be evaluated by licensed physicians. A doctor can examine your knee, take x-rays to check for tears and damaged cartilage, and decide on the best treatment. Some injuries require invasive surgery to repair torn tendons and ligaments. Recovery after knee surgery can take up to six months and typically includes regular sessions with a physical therapist. By working with a therapist and following doctors’ orders, an individual with bad knee strain is usually able to return to daily activities and sports.
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