Introduction
Knee sprains can be a painful and frustrating injury that can happen to anyone, whether an individual is a professional athlete or simply going for a walk. This type of injury occurs when the ligaments in the knee are stretched or torn, often due to sudden twisting or bending of the joint. While knee sprains can vary in severity, they can cause significant discomfort and impact the ability to move freely. Fortunately, with proper care and treatment, most knee sprains can be managed effectively, allowing individuals to get back to their regular activities in no time. This article will discuss all the information one needs to know about knee sprains.
What Is a Knee Sprain?
When someone hurts their knee badly, the most common assumption that is made is that it must be a "knee sprain." What does it mean when doctors say it is a knee sprain? It simply means one or more of the ligaments in the knee are stretched or torn. A knee sprain occurs when ligaments in the knee joint have been injured. The knee is a complex joint that is supported by four main ligaments, which help to keep the knee stable and prevent excessive movement. When one or more of these ligaments are stretched or torn, it can cause pain, swelling, and other symptoms.
What Does a Knee Sprain Feel Like?
A knee sprain can feel different for each person, and the severity of the injury can also impact the symptoms. According to the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons (AAOS), common symptoms of a knee sprain include pain, swelling, and stiffness in the knee joint. Other possible symptoms can include a popping or tearing sensation at the time of injury, difficulty bearing weight on the affected leg, and a limited range of motion.
The specific location of the pain can also provide clues about which ligament in the knee may be affected. For example, pain on the inside of the knee may indicate a sprain of the medial collateral ligament (MCL), while pain on the outside of the knee may suggest a sprain of the lateral collateral ligament (LCL). Pain around the kneecap may indicate a sprain of the patellar ligament.
As the injury heals, some people may also experience bruising or discoloration around the knee joint. The AAOS notes that symptoms of a knee sprain can range from mild to severe, depending on the extent of the ligament damage.
How Is the Diagnosis of a Knee Sprain Made?
When a patient has a knee injury, the doctor will ask about how it happened, like the type of movement that caused the injury and whether the affected person heard a popping sound or felt pain right away. The doctor will examine both knees to compare the injured one to the uninjured one. They will check for swelling, tenderness, and fluid inside the knee joint. If they can move their knee without too much pain, the doctor will check the strength of the ligaments by gently pushing their lower leg while they bend their knee. If the exam indicates a severe knee injury, they may need additional tests like X-rays, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), or arthroscopy (camera-guided knee surgery) to further evaluate the knee.
How Does Someone Sprain Their Knee?
There are many conditions or activities that can lead to a knee sprain. These are:
-
Sudden Twisting or Turning: When someone twists or turns their knee suddenly, it can put stress on the ligaments and cause them to stretch or tear.
-
Direct Impact: A direct blow to the knee, such as in a fall or a collision, can also cause a knee sprain.
-
Overuse or Repeated Exertion: Repeated stress on the knee joint, such as from activities like running or jumping, can also cause the ligaments to become strained over time.
-
Aging: With advancing age, the ligaments in the knees can become weaker and less flexible, making them more susceptible to injury.
What Happens When Someone Sprains Their Knee?
Knee sprains affect the ligaments. Ligaments are tough, fibrous tissue bands that attach bones to one another and provide stability to the joint. The knee joint is made up of four main ligaments: the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL), the posterior cruciate ligament (PCL), the medial collateral ligament (MCL), and the lateral collateral ligament (LCL).
When someone sprains their knee, it can cause a range of symptoms, depending on the severity of the injury. Common symptoms include pain, swelling, and stiffness in the knee joint. Some people may also experience a popping or tearing sensation at the time of injury, difficulty bearing weight on the affected leg, and a limited range of motion.
The specific ligament that is sprained can also impact the symptoms. For example, a sprain of the ACL can cause a feeling of instability in the knee joint, while a sprain of the MCL can cause pain on the inside of the knee. As the injury heals, some people may also experience bruising or discoloration around the knee joint.
What to Do for a Knee Sprain?
If someone has a knee sprain, there are a few things they can do to help manage their symptoms and speed up the healing process. The primary treatment for a knee sprain is RICE therapy, which stands for rest, ice, compression, and elevation. The doctors usually advise opting for RICE therapy for one or two rounds after it is diagnosed. Here are some general steps one can take, including RICE therapy.
-
Rest: Try to stay off the injured knee as much as possible, and avoid activities that put stress on the knee.
-
Ice: Put ice on the knee for 15–20 minutes at a time, several times a day. This action will help decrease swelling and pain.
-
Compression: Place an elastic bandage around the knee, which can help decrease swelling and provide support.
-
Elevation: Elevate the leg as much as possible to help decrease swelling.
-
Pain management: Over-the-counter painkillers like ibuprofen or acetaminophen can help manage pain.
Immobilization: In cases of knee injury, a medical professional may suggest immobilization of the knee and the provision of a brace to protect and support the joint. This brace, which contains movable parts and covers the area above and below the knee, aims to facilitate walking and slight knee bending while also preventing excessive movements that may aggravate the injury.
Physical Therapy: Depending on the severity of the sprain, the doctor may recommend physical therapy to help regain strength and range of motion in the knee.
In addition, it is important to follow the doctor's advice. In some cases, surgery may be necessary to repair a severe sprain.
How Long Does It Take for a Knee Sprain to Heal?
The recovery time for a knee sprain can vary depending on the severity of the injury. Mild sprains may take only a few days to heal, while more severe sprains can take several weeks or even months to fully heal.
The following are the general recovery timelines for different grades of knee sprains:
-
Grade 1: A mild sprain that involves stretching or minor tearing of a ligament. The recovery time is typically one to two weeks.
-
Grade 2: A moderate sprain that involves partial tearing of a ligament. The recovery time ranges from four to six weeks.
-
Grade 3: A severe sprain that involves a complete tear of a ligament. The recovery time can be long, but it takes several months and requires surgery.
It is crucial to note that these timelines are general guidelines, and recovery time can vary depending on factors such as age, overall health, and adherence to a proper treatment plan. It is also important to follow what the doctor is suggesting and avoid putting too much stress on the knee during the healing process.
Conclusion
To conclude, a knee sprain could be mild or severe and can happen to anyone. It is crucial to see the doctor even for a mild injury for proper guidance on treating a knee sprain to avoid making it severe with complications. It could cause severe discomfort if ignored or not properly treated. Therefore, everyone should be aware of the consequences of a knee sprain and seek immediate medical help.
