Sprain in the joint is an injury caused when the ligaments are stretched beyond their capacity. Ligaments hold the knees together. In some cases of ligament tear, surgical repair may be needed. There are four ligaments in our Knee joint, two in the centre, the Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL) and Posterior Cruciate Ligament (PCL), and two collateral ligaments at the sides, Medial (MCL) and Lateral (LCL). All these ligaments work in co-ordination to keep the Knee Joint functions smooth and pain-free, and protect it from injuries. Ligament sprains are graded as per the intensity of stretching or tearing of the ligament fibers and how much instability it causes.
– Grade 1 – is a tear of only a few fibers of the ligament.
– Grade 2 – is a tear of part of a ligament, from a third to almost all its fibers.
– Grade 3 – is a complete ligament tear.
The most common symptoms of Knee Joint sprain are pain, bruising and swelling. More severe injury may cause instability around the knee with diminished ability to move the limb.
Knee Sprain and Treatment
Causes of Knee Sprain
- Jolt to the outer or inner side of the knee
- Forced twisting of the knee
- Stopping suddenly while running
- Wrongly shifting your weight while running or skiing
- Landing awkwardly after jumping
- Jolt to the front of the knee while the knee is bent and the foot is firmly planted on the ground
Treatment of Knee Sprain
- R.I.C.E. – Following the best course of action i.e Rest, Ice, Compress, Elevate allows your pain and injury to subside to a great extent. Ice and compression do not stop the swelling and pain completely, but help minimize them as the sprain begins to heal itself. It is vital to carefully manage the healing process as additional fluid may pool in the sprained area.
- Rehabilitation- If and when you feel able, usually after a few days, start with some easy exercises to regain your knee joint’s function, strength and movement.
- Knee Brace- It’s advisable to wear a knee brace to reduce pain and instability after an injury.
The treatment also depends on specific type of sprain, in case you have Grade III knee sprain or multiple ligaments are injured:
- Grade III ACL or PCL sprain — Your torn ligament may need reconstruction with a knee surgery using either a piece of your own tissue or a piece of donor tissue.
- Grade III MCL sprain —Usually treated conservatively with the RICE procedure and physical therapy. Surgery may be used to repair a torn MCL in certain cases only.
- Grade III LCL sprain —A severe LCL sprain needs the torn ligament to be repaired surgically.
- Simultaneous injury of multiple ligaments — Your physician will update you with the various surgical options available.
Most people use the RICE method to get relief from pain, but call your doctor for an urgent evaluation if the knee becomes very painful or swollen, cannot bear weight, feels as if it will buckle or give out. Proper care should be taken without delay.