Knee Sprain

Knee Sprain

What is it?

Knee ligaments are bands of tissue that connect bones to each other in the joint. A knee sprain occurs when these ligaments stretch or tear.

Causes, Symptoms and Risk Factors

Knee sprains are caused by unusual stress on or by a forceful blow to the front or outside of the knee, which may occur, for example, by:

• Landing awkwardly after jumping
• Stopping suddenly or shifting weight during a physical activity

Symptoms of knee sprains include:

• Pain in the knee
• Swelling
• Bruising
• Reduced knee motion
• Weakness in the affected leg

People at particular risk of knee sprains:

• Play contact or participate in extreme sports
• Have poor balance
• Lack muscle strength
• Have tight ligaments 
• Have loose joints

Tests

A doctor will diagnose a knee sprain by examining the knee, reviewing symptoms and medical history and conducting imaging tests, such as X-rays or an MRI. There are three grades of knee sprains according to the damage to the ligaments. The grades are:

• Grade 1 - Stretching or tiny tears in the knee ligament

• Grade 2 - Partial tearing of the ligament with minor joint instability

• Grade 3 - Severe or complete tearing of ligament tissue with considerable joint instability

Treatments

Treatments for knee sprains include: