Knee Sprain
A knee sprain occurs when one or more ligaments in your knee are suddenly stretched or torn. Ligaments are
tissues that hold bones together. Ligaments support the knee and keep the joint and bones in the correct
position. They help you walk, twist and turn. There are approximately 20 different muscles that are in or near
the knee joint that could contribute to your knee pain along with 4 main ligaments that assist with stabilizing
the knee and your meniscus.
Ligament injuries account for up to 40 percent of all knee injuries, and of these, medial collateral ligament
(MCL) injuries appear to be the most common.
Main causes of knee sprain:
• Blow to the knee joint such as a fall.
• A sudden twisting of the knee joint which may happen while doing activities that cause you to plant
your foot and quickly turn at the knee. They include running and stopping or changing direction
suddenly, and jumping and landing.
• Activities that cause your knee to extend more than normal can cause a knee sprain
Symptoms of a knee sprain may include:
-
Stiffness or decreased movement.
Painful pop that you can hear or feel.
Knee that buckles or gives out when you try to walk.
-
Pain or tenderness.
Swelling or bruising.
Initial Treatment:
* Seek Medical Attention if you are unable to walk due to buckling or severe pain
Otherwise follow the PRICE principal:
Prevention of Sprain and Strains
Strengthen and improve flexibility of the surrounding muscles (2x12 of each exercise recommended 2-3x/week)
Avoid twisting
What can the On-site Therapists offer?
Contact:
Special tests to determine most likely cause of your pain
Exercises and techniques to decrease your pain and return to full function
Traci Tauferner, LAT, CSCS, PES │ 920.979.5597
[email protected]
http://www.bupa.co.uk/health-information/directory/s/sprained-ankle
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