Treating Knee Sprains

Before a knee sprain can be fully treated, a medical evaluation will be necessary to determine the severity (grade) of the injury. This page describes the recommended treatments for knee sprains, as well as the steps patients can take to relieve pain and swelling during the days or hours before they see a doctor.

Immediate Treatment for a Suspected Knee Sprain

A knee injury can cause significant pain and swelling within seconds. The RICE method and anti-inflammatory medications can help reduce these symptoms while waiting for medical attention:

Read more about The P.R.I.C.E. Protocol Principles

• The R.I.C.E. method can help to stabilize the leg and decrease pain both before and after medical evaluation. This includes.
  • Rest: Resting the affected knee minimizes the risk of further injury or damage to the joint.
  • Ice: An ice pack wrapped in a towel or a cool compress can be applied to the affected knee in fifteen minute intervals, pausing between each session to avoid damaging the skin. Icing the joint helps to reduce any swelling that is present.
  • Compression: Wrapping an elasticized bandage around the knee can provide mild compression of the joint and help reduce localized inflammation. Patients are advised not to wrap the bandage so tight it is painful or cuts off circulation.
  • Elevate. The injured knee should be elevated with a pillow or other soft object. This will prevent blood from pooling in the injured area and contributing to the swelling.
• Non-steroidal anti-inflammatories, such as ibuprofen, may be given to the athlete in order to reduce swelling in the affected knee.

In order to ensure that the knee joint and ligaments are not damaged further, it is important that medical attention is sought before returning to weight-bearing activities or athletic training or competition.

Non-Surgical Treatments for Knee Sprains

The vast majority of knee sprains may be treated with non-surgical procedures that center on bringing the knee back to full strength.

• 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. Two primary components of physical therapy are:
  • Weight training: A physical therapist will have the patient lift small amounts of weight with in repetitive sets. This exercise may involve resistance bands, weighted braces or exercise equipment that involves the knee joint. Over time and in a controlled, progressive manner, the amount of repetitions and the weight being lifted will increase.
  • Stretching for flexibility. A therapist may also want to regularly measure the range of motion of a given athlete periodically and offer stretching exercises that may increase it. Typically, a return to a fully normal range of motion and flexibility is a sign that an athlete is nearly ready to return to athletic training.

The length and intensity of a physical therapy program will depend upon several factors, such as age, medical history, level of athletic competition and the severity of the knee sprain.

Surgery for Knee Sprains

In the event that the knee sprain is severe, surgery may be necessary to repair the damaged ligament(s). Surgery is typically only recommended if the knee sprain is a Grade III (full ligament tear).

Typically, a knee ligament surgical repair is done arthroscopically, which is a minimally invasive approach. Arthroscopic surgery involves making a small incision (typically less than half an inch) on the front or back of the knee and running a miniature camera into the leg. The camera will be used to assess the extent of the damage to the knee. Once this has been completed, small tools will also be inserted into the knee in order to remove or repair the damaged tissue.