Non-Surgical Treatments for Knee Sprains. Physical therapy. Following an initial course of treatment for pain relief, it is typical for a knee sprain to be treated with physical therapy. Physical therapy will involve a mixture of exercises aimed at strengthening the knee and activities that increase and restore knee flexibility.
How long does it take to recover from a knee sprain?
It may take just a few days for a slight ankle sprain to heal, or it may take months for a knee injury that requires reconstructive surgery. For most mild to moderate sprains and strains, you can expect to regain full mobility within 3 to 8 weeks. More severe injuries can take months for a full recovery.
How can you treat a knee sprain at home?
Without further ado, combine these 7 tips to heal your knee sprain as soon as possible:
- Take care of your knee sprain at home You’ll have to care for your sprain at home, regardless of the severity of your injury. ...
- Move within your pain limits Movement promotes healing. It can reduce knee pain and stiffness as well. ...
- Wear a knee support to promote healing There are several types of knee supports. ...
How to heal a sprained knee quickly?
- Rest. Activities that irritates the knee, such as pivoting and walking for long periods of time, should be avoided until the symptoms get better.
- Ice. A person may be advised to apply ice packs to the knee to help reduce swelling and decrease pain.
- Compression. Wearing a tight, elastic bandage around the knee can help stop swelling.
- Elevation. ...
How to diagnose and treat a knee sprain?
You may also need one or more of these tests:
- X-ray. This imaging test can rule out an injury to bone instead of a ligament injury. ...
- MRI. This test uses large magnets, radio waves, and a computer to make detailed images of organs and structures within the body. ...
- Arthroscopy. This procedure is used to diagnose and treat joint problems. ...
What is the fastest way to heal a sprained knee?
Rest, Ice, Compression, and Elevation Resting the affected ligaments, tendons, and muscles, gives the knee time to heal. Your doctor may provide a cane or crutches to help you keep weight off the affected knee for about a week. After the swelling starts to subside, most people can walk while wearing a knee brace.
Can you walk on a sprained knee?
Walking will not damage your knee further. Always try to walk normally – i.e. heel down first. In the early stages after injury excessive weight bearing may cause increased pain and swelling. You may be given crutches for a short time to help with this.
Do knee sprains heal on their own?
While most knee sprains will heal without surgery, avoid the temptation to go back to your normal activities or playing sports without letting your knee heal completely. That can cause problems later on. Performing the recommended physical therapy exercises can help you get back to doing what you love.
How long does a sprained knee take to heal?
A minor knee sprain may take up to 6 weeks to heal, while a severe sprain may take months. Follow-up care is a key part of your treatment and safety. Be sure to make and go to all appointments, and call your doctor or nurse call line if you are having problems.
How do I know if my knee is sprained?
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.More items...
Is heat good for a sprained knee?
Heat therapy may help with arthritis, knee pain, and stiff joints by using heat packs, pads, and submerging the affected area in warm water. In some cases, gel packs may be more effective than traditional heat packs, due to their ability to form around the joint and penetrate tissues.
What is the best painkiller for knee pain?
Over-The-Counter Medication for Knee Pain The main over-the-counter drugs are acetaminophen (Tylenol and other brands) and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (or NSAIDs), including aspirin (such as Bayer), ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin), and naproxen (Aleve). These can help with simple sprains or even arthritis.
What causes knee sprain?
Causes of a knee strain or sprain Injuries — trauma, sports injuries or falls that overstretch the joints and soft tissue that surround the knee and cause a knee sprain or strain. Overuse — building up too quickly in a sport, such as running, can overwhelm the body and lead to knee strains or sprains.
How do I know if my knee pain is serious?
Call your doctor if you:Can't bear weight on your knee or feel as if your knee is unstable or gives out.Have marked knee swelling.Are unable to fully extend or flex your knee.See an obvious deformity in your leg or knee.Have a fever, in addition to redness, pain and swelling in your knee.More items...•
How do you treat a sprained knee at home?
At-Home Care for a Knee SprainTake Ibuprofen or Tylenol to manage the pain and swelling. Always follow the dosage directions on the bottle.Compress your knee with an elastic bandage.Elevate the injured knee to decrease swelling.Continue to ice every few hours to reduce swelling.
How should I sleep with a sprained knee?
Keep your leg elevated to reduce pain and swelling. When sleeping, place a pillow under the injured leg. When sitting, support the injured leg so it is above heart level. This is very important during the first 48 hours.
How painful is a knee sprain?
If you sprain your knee you'll immediately feel a sharp pain. Sometime a knee sprain will have a popping sound that you'll be able to hear or feel. Depending on the severity of the sprain, the pain can be so significant that you'll struggle to walk or place weight on the affected leg.
What is the fastest way to heal a sprained knee?
The most common treatment for a knee sprain is rest, ice, compression of the swelling, and taking anti-inflammatories. Unfortunately, as you get ol...
I was injured playing football. I was able to walk after one week, but after three weeks there has b...
RICE (Rest, Ice, Compression, and Elevation) is part of the treatment of any sprain, including compression. A compression sock might help out with...
What can I do to help water on the knee?
Water on the knee is a sign of inflammation. It can be due to a broken bursa sac, which is a fluid-filled sac in the knee. Only time will allow the...
Why is it important to take care of a knee sprain?
Because your knee bears your body weight and determines how well you’re able to move around, make sure you take proper care of a knee sprain. Getting medical care early and following your doctor’s instructions are important.
What does it mean when your knee is spraining?
For LCL and MCL sprains, your knee may seem as though it wants to buckle toward the opposite direction from the injured ligament and will likely be tender where the injury happened. Most people with knee sprains will experience at least some of the following: swelling. weakness. buckling.
How many people recover from a sprained ACL?
About 80 to 90 percent of people with ACL injuries and 80 percent of those with PCL injuries will experience a full recovery. MCL and LCL sprains tend to heal quite well. However, some people with sprained ACL or PCL ligaments can develop arthritis in their knee over time.
What is the name of the ligament that has been torn or injured?
Knee sprains are named for the specific ligament that has been torn or injured: The anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) and posterior cruciate ligament (PCL) provide stability to forces coming from the front or back. The two form an “X” across the joint.
How long does it take for a knee sprain to heal?
Many grade 1 and 2 knee sprains heal within two to four weeks. People who need surgery, however, may take as long as four to six months to recover.
What happens if you sprain your knee?
If you have a sprained knee, the structures within the knee joint that connect the thigh bone to the shin bone have been injured. A knee sprain is painful and can create other problems over time, including arthritis. The knee has four main ligaments: two that stabilize its front and back, and two that stabilize side-to-side movement.
How do you know if you have an ACL sprain?
For an ACL sprain, you may hear a pop at the time you’re injured and feel as though your knee can’t support you.
What is the best medicine for a knee sprain?
Treatment depends on the type and cause of your knee sprain. You may need any of the following: NSAIDs , such as ibuprofen, help decrease swelling, pain, and fever. This medicine is available with or without a doctor's order. NSAIDs can cause stomach bleeding or kidney problems in certain people.
How to prevent knee sprain?
Strong leg muscles help protect your knee and prevent strain. The following may also prevent a knee sprain: Slowly start your exercise or training program. Slowly increase the time, distance, and intensity of your exercise. Sudden increases in training may cause another knee sprain.
How to keep knee from moving?
You may need to wear an elastic bandage. This helps keep your injured knee from moving too much while it heals. It should be tight enough to give support but so tight that it causes your toes to feel numb or tingly. Take the bandage off and rewrap it at least 1 time each day .
What is a sprain in the knee?
A knee sprain is a stretched or torn ligament in your knee. Ligaments support the knee and keep the joint and bones in the correct position. A knee sprain may involve one or more ligaments.
How to reduce swelling in knee?
Apply ice on your knee for 15 to 20 minutes every hour or as directed. Use an ice pack, or put crushed ice in a plastic bag. Cover the bag with a towel before you apply it. Ice helps prevent tissue damage and decreases swelling and pain. Apply compression to your knee as directed.
Can you get contrast liquid for a sprain?
You may be given contrast liquid to help your injury show up better in the pictures. Tell the healthcare provider if you have ever had an allergic reaction to contrast liquid.
What is a sprained knee?
A ligament is a sturdy band of tissue that connects the different bones in the knee joint. When one or more ligaments are torn or overstretched , it is called a sprained knee. Four major ligaments support and stabilize the knee. 2. ACL (anterior cruciate ligament)
What is the diagnosis of a sprained knee?
Diagnosis of a sprained knee. If you have symptoms of a knee sprain, some clues can point to the specific ligament that is injured. For example, if you suffered a direct blow to the outer knee, heard a pop, and developed severe pain and knee swelling within a few hours, it points to an MCL and / or ACL sprain.
Why does my knee make a popping noise?
Many people hear a popping noise when the injury occurs. There can also be instability of the knee. Some people have trouble bearing weight on that leg when the knee sprain is severe. Bruised knee. The ACL and MCL are the most commonly injured knee ligaments. 1 The LCL is rarely sprained on its own.
What are the risk factors for a knee sprain?
A poor physical condition, lack of flexibility, and decreased strength in the muscles and ligaments surrounding the knee are risk factors for a knee sprain. You can reduce your risk of knee sprain by using the Injurymap app to make your leg muscles strong and flexible. Related content. Runner's knee. Jumper's knee.
What sports are knee sprains common in?
For example, knee sprains are more common in people who play basketball, football, and rugby. Sprained knees can also occur during wrestling, gymnastics, and skiing.
What does it mean when your knee is sprained?
People with a mild knee sprain (grade I) can usually continue to bear weight on the leg. A moderate (grade II) sprain means the ligament is partially torn. This can lead to pain and knee instability (a feeling that the knee is going to give out while you’re standing or walking).
What is the knee joint?
The knee is a complex joint made up of different kinds of structures including bones, muscles, menisci, and ligaments. An injury to any of these structures can result in symptoms. A knee sprain is a common injury, especially among people who take part in contact sports like football and rugby.
What is a knee sprain?
Diagnosis. Treatment. A knee sprain means that you have injured one of the ligaments around the knee joint. There are four major ligaments that contribute to the stability of the knee. In addition, there are many smaller ligaments that can cause pain after an injury. Sprains and strains are often confused. A sprain is an injury to a ligament, and ...
What does it mean when your knee is spraining?
Spraining your knee means that you have damaged one or more of the ligaments that surround the joint. These ligaments are critical to the stability of the knee joint and when injured may require specialized treatment.
What is the grade of a knee ligament injury?
Often knee ligament injuries are graded to define the severity of the injury. A grade of injury is meant to give an indication of the extent of damage to the ligament. In general, most physicians grade on a scale of 1 to 3. 3
What is the evaluation of a knee injury?
Diagnosis. Evaluation of someone who has injured their knee involves testing the different ligaments that may be injured as a result of a knee sprain. There are specific maneuvers in tests they can isolate each of these ligaments to help your doctor determine the exact cause of your discomfort.
Why is it important to know if you have a knee sprain?
This is important because different ligaments are treated very differently. For example, anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injuries often need surgical reconstruction.
What is the difference between a sprain and a strain?
A sprain is an injury to a ligament, and a strain is an injury to a muscle. Ligaments are structures that connect two bones. Ligaments are important in allowing joint stability, while at the same time allowing the joint to move.
How long does it take for a sprained knee to dissipate?
Sometimes these symptoms worsen over the first 48 hours, and then gradually dissipate, depending on the severity of the injury. The most common symptoms of a knee sprain include: Knee pain. Swelling of the knee. Stiffness of the joint.
What type of surgery is needed to repair a knee injury?
If you choose to have surgery, your options may include: Arthroscopic surgery . Depending on your injury, your doctor may be able to examine and repair your joint damage using a fiber-optic camera and long, narrow tools inserted through just a few small incisions around your knee.
How to heal a knee injury?
Self-care measures for an injured knee include: Rest. Take a break from your normal activities to reduce repetitive strain on your knee, give the injury time to heal and help prevent further damage. A day or two of rest may be all you need for a minor injury. More severe damage is likely to need a longer recovery time.
How to help a knee that hurts?
Heat. You may experience temporary pain relief by applying a heat pack or hot-water bottle to the painful area on your knee. Compression. This helps prevent fluid buildup in damaged tissues and maintains knee alignment and stability. Look for a compression bandage that's lightweight, breathable and self-adhesive.
How to make your knee more stable?
Strengthening the muscles around your knee will make it more stable. Your doctor may recommend physical therapy or different types of strengthening exercises based on the specific condition that is causing your pain.
How to check if knee is swollen?
Check to see how far you can move your lower leg in different directions. Push on or pull the joint to evaluate the integrity of the structures in your knee.
What is the procedure to remove fluid from the knee?
Lab tests. If your doctor suspects an infection or inflammation, you're likely to have blood tests and sometimes a procedure called arthrocentesis, in which a small amount of fluid is removed from within your knee joint with a needle and sent to a laboratory for analysis.
What is the purpose of MRI on knee?
Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). An MRI uses radio waves and a powerful magnet to create 3D images of the inside of your knee. This test is particularly useful in revealing injuries to soft tissues such as ligaments, tendons, cartilage and muscles.
Types of knee sprains and their recovery time
Most knee sprains happen after a bad movement or a direct hit. Their recovery time will vary, depending on ( 3 ):
Conclusion: How to heal a sprained knee fast?
Now you know how to cure a sprained knee fast! But, remember that it’s best to have individualized medical advice. A healthcare provider will be your best ally.
Knee Sprain Symptoms
Causes
Diagnosis
- Exercise your legs to keep your muscles strong. Strong leg muscles help protect your knee and prevent strain. The following may also prevent a knee sprain:
Treatment
A Word from Verywell
- The most common symptoms of a knee sprain are pain and swelling.1 Typically after people who have injured their knee causing damage to the ligaments, they will have immediate symptoms. Sometimes these symptoms worsen over the first 48 hours, and then gradually dissipate, depending on the severity of the injury.