Sprained knee treatment
- Pain medication. A doctor may recommend over-the-counter pain relievers like acetaminophen. If the pain is debilitating, you may be prescribed stronger medication.
- Rest. You’ll want to avoid doing anything that overstresses your knee and can risk you hurting it further.
- Ice. An ice pack on the knee for 20 minutes every few hours can reduce swelling (but check with a doctor first, especially if you have diabetes ).
- Compression. An elastic bandage can also help with swelling, but be sure not to wrap your knee too tightly because it can cut off your blood circulation.
- Immobilization. The doctor may give you a brace to protect your knee and stabilize it while it heals. This will keep you from moving it too much or over-stretching it.
- Knee sprain exercises and physical therapy
- Surgery. If the ligament is torn, you may need surgery. This process usually involves reattaching the torn ligament or replacing it with a piece of healthy tendon.
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 best treatment for a knee sprain?
How to treat a knee sprainRest.Ice.Compression.Elevation.Brace.Physical therapy exercises.Over the counter pain medication.
How do doctors treat a sprained knee?
Sprained knee treatmentPain medication. A doctor may recommend over-the-counter pain relievers like acetaminophen. ... Rest. You'll want to avoid doing anything that overstresses your knee and can risk you hurting it further. ... Ice. ... Compression. ... Immobilization. ... Knee sprain exercises and physical therapy. ... Surgery.
How long does it take for a sprained knee 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 you treat a sprained knee ligament?
TreatmentIce your knee for 20 to 30 minutes every 3 to 4 hours to lessen the pain and swelling. ... Compress your knee. ... Raise your knee on a pillow when you're sitting or lying down.Wear a knee brace to stabilize the knee and protect it from further injury.Take anti-inflammatory painkillers.More items...•
How do you tell if knee is sprained or torn?
Many people seem to come across the most common one regarding whether their Knee is a sprain or tear....Symptoms of a Knee SprainSwelling.Bruising.Pain around the knee area.There was a popping noise when the actual injury occurred.Your range of motion is minimal.Stiffness from the amount of pain.
Will walking on a sprained knee make it worse?
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.
Will a knee brace help a sprained knee?
Motion control brace: If you have sprained or overstretched the ligaments on the side of your knee, your healthcare provider may recommend a motion control brace. This is a neoprene sleeve with metal supports on the inside and outside that help support the ligaments.
What does a knee sprain feel like?
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.
How do I know if my knee injury is serious?
Five signs of a potentially serious knee injury:Your Knee Is Swollen. ... Your Knee Is “Locked” And You Can't Straighten It. ... Your Knee Feels Unstable, or You Felt a Pop. ... You Have Significant Weakness Trying To Straighten Your Knee. ... You Have Significant Difficulty Walking.
Can you still walk with a torn ligament in your knee?
In most cases, the injured person can still walk with the torn knee ligament. But the movement will be severely limited, not to mention painful. Surgery may be the best route to a pain-free life, with amazing success rates. If someone suspects a damaged ACL or MCL seek immediate medical attention.
Is walking good for torn ligaments?
The short answer is yes. After the pain and swelling subsides and if there is no other injury to your knee, you may be able to walk in straight lines, go up and down stairs and even potentially jog in a straight line.
Should you wrap a sprained knee?
Knee wrapping can also help decrease swelling after an injury by applying slight compression to aid in the return of blood and lymph flow back to the heart. It is important to wrap your knee correctly so that you properly support your knee joint and do not restrict the movement of your knee or reduce circulation.
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...
What is the best way to recover from a knee injury?
Their goal will be to help you restore your full range of motion and regain the strength in your leg muscles to move properly without reinjuring your knee. If you need surgery a physical therapist will also help you through the postoperative period to get you back to physical activity.
How to reduce swelling in knee?
Compression reduces swelling and can give the knee a little bit of stability. You can use an elastic bandage wrap around your knee to provide the compression. When you are using the wrap make sure that you have it tight enough that it is compressing the knee but not so tight that you are restricting blood flow to the area.
How to help a knee that is numb?
Icing your injured knee will numb the pain by interrupting the pain signal. The cold will also help reduce swelling by tightening up the blood vessels in the area, lessening the fluid that gets pushed into the tissues. You can ice your knee with an ice pack or with one of these other cold therapy options .
What is knee brace?
A knee brace is designed to support the knee to let you resume some of your normal activities without causing further injury. They are easy to put on and take off and can be used numerous times. There are multiple knee braces on the market, like low-level support like knee sleeves to high level hinged knee braces. You’ll need to choose one based on the level of support you need.
What is a PRP injection?
A platelet-rich plasma (PRP) uses the patient’s own blood to provide them with a concentration of platelets that is injected into the injury to accelerate healing. These injections are not for everyone, if it is something that you are interested in, talk to your doctor to discuss the possibilities of using it for your knee injury.
Can you prevent knee injuries?
You can’t prevent every knee injury, but there are definitely ways you reduce the likelihood of it happening. Take a look at our best prevention tips to minimize the chances of a serious injury.
Can a knee sprain cause swelling?
A knee sprain is a serious injury that can affect any of the many knee ligaments. If you have suffered a mild sprain then home treatments are a great option to manage the pain and swelling. However, if you have a moderate to severe sprain then you’ll need to seek medical treatment from a healthcare professional. Always talk to your doctor before you begin treatment to ensure that you are on the right path to a fast and successful recovery.
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.
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.
How to help swelling in knee?
Compression. An elastic bandage can also help with swelling, but be sure not to wrap your knee too tightly because it can cut off your blood circulation. If the wrap makes the pain worse, your knee starts to get numb, or your lower leg swells up, loosen the bandage.
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 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.
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 to treat a knee sprain at home in 4 steps
This protocol can reduce pain and swelling in fresh injuries. PRICE is an acronym for:
How do you know which knee ligament is sprained?
Ligaments are tough bands of tissue. They connect our bones and stabilize our joints. And, a sprain happens when a ligament stretches beyond its capacity. After a knee sprain, most people feel:
FAQs
If it doesn’t make your symptoms worse, yes. Don’t walk on a sprain if you can’t bear weight on your injured leg, for example.
Conclusion: What do you do for a sprained knee?
In summary, rest with your knee elevated and move according to your tolerance. Ice, medications, and sleeves can also help you manage pain and inflammation.
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.
How to diagnose a knee sprain?
To diagnose a knee strain or sprain, a doctor will ask questions about a person’s symptoms, medical history, and if they participate in sport or similar activities. They will then examine the knee and test for strength and range of motion, alongside other tests.
How to reduce swelling in knee?
Ice: Wrap ice with a towel and apply to the knee to help reduce swelling. Compression: This can involve using a wrap or specialized bandage to apply pressure to the knee. Elevation: This can help reduce swelling. Learn more about the RICE method here.
What is a NIAMS injury?
The NIAMS define a sprain as an injury to one or more ligaments from a stretch or tear. Ligaments are tough connective tissues linking bones to other bones. There are four major ligaments of the knee joint. Of these, the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) experiences the most injuries.
What does NIAMS mean in knee?
The NIAMS indicate that a person may strain their knee from stressing the muscles, lifting heavy weights, or a sudden injury. There are three grades of muscle strain based on severity. Grade 1: A few muscle fibers are torn or stretched, and the muscle retains full strength.
What is a knee strain?
Knee strains are a common injury involving a torn muscle or tendon around the knee. Strains are often related to sports injuries. , knee sprains and strains are the most common knee injuries seen in emergency rooms in the United States, accounting for 42.1% of cases. This article explores the symptoms and possible causes ...
What causes a knee to tear?
The most common causes of knee strains include: A tear to the tendons that run through the knee is a common sports injury. According to the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons (AAOS), two common tendon tears in the knee include a patellar tendon tear and a quadriceps tendon tear.
How to tell if you have a knee strain?
According to the NIAMS, they commonly include: cramping in the muscles around the knee. spasms in the muscles. swelling. bruising. difficulty with moving the muscles or walking. The severity of symptoms will vary according to the severity of the strain.
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.
What are arch supports?
Arch supports, sometimes with wedges on one side of the heel, can help shift pressure away from the side of the knee most affected by osteoarthritis. In certain conditions, different types of braces may be used to help protect and support the knee joint.
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 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.
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 to do if you can't move your knee?
When your pain is severe or you can't move your knee, you should call your doctor. If it's not that bad -- twinges or aches from an old injury, for instance -- you have other options. Some medicines you can get over the counter. Others you'll have to see your doctor for. Whatever you use, make sure you follow the instructions.
How to heal a shot on the knee?
They can also cause discolored skin where you got the shot, infection, and weakened tendons, which connect muscles to bones. Physical therapy can help strengthen the muscles around your knees. Occupational therapy shows you how to do everyday movements in a way that's safer for your knee.
How long does hyaluronic acid last in your knee?
Some people who got injections of it into their knee were able to move easier and hurt less for as long as 6 months. The downside is that neither of these types of shots will help everyone.
