Sprained Knee: Symptoms and Treatment - Legacy ER

Knee sprains are common injuries, especially in the field of athletics. But anybody can get a knee sprain by falling or twisting one’s foot.

Knee sprains affect four ligaments: The anterior cruciate ligament (ACL), posterior cruciate ligament (PCL), medial collateral ligament (MCL), and lateral collateral ligament (LCL). When the anterior cruciate ligament is twisted or extended beyond its limits, it leads to an ACL sprain.

A hard blow or direct impact against a bent knee often results in a PCL sprain. When the outer knee is pushed inward by a sudden impact while the foot is on the ground, it causes an MCL sprain.

An LCL sprain happens when something forces the inner knee outward, causing a lateral collateral ligament sprain.

Sprained Knee Symptoms

A sprained knee is painful and will hurt instantly at the moment of impact. Other sprained knee symptoms include swelling, limited range of motion, bruising, and buckling. A sprained knee is unstable and difficult to move. If there is a loud popping sound at the time of the injury, it may indicate a completely torn ligament.

Sprained Knee Causes

Knee sprains often occur when a person jumps and lands awkwardly or when they take a fall during contact sports. A sudden twist or compression of the knee can also cause a sprain.

Activity and accidents are risk factors for knee sprains. The ACL is most prone to injury, especially when over-extended or twisted.

Sprained Knee Diagnosis

When a doctor examines a sprained knee for damage, they will compare the hurt knee to the other to check for swelling and bruising. Diagnosing a sprained knee requires a physical examination. X-rays can help determine broken bones. If a doctor suspects existing damage from arthritis, they may need imaging tests to confirm.

If a patient cannot move the knee, the doctor may request an MRI to check for ligament tears.

Treating a Sprained Knee

Home treatment for a mild knee sprain includes rest, ice, compression, and elevation. There are different grades of knee sprains (1-3). A grade 3 sprain means surgery is likely. Recovery from a grade 3 sprain can take up to six months and will require physiotherapy.

For grade 1 and 2 sprains, crutches can help keep weight off the knee and prevent further damage. Partially torn ligaments need a brace or splint, while complete tears require surgery. Treating a sprained knee may include anti-inflammatory medications to help ease the pain while the knee heals.

Preventing a Sprained Knee

Appropriate sports gear and shoes for high-activity sports can help prevent knee sprains.

Ill-fitting shoes are one of the causes of sprained knee injuries, so it’s essential to choose non-slip, comfortable shoes when playing sports or running.

Sometimes, excess weight can contribute to knee injuries, so it is crucial to maintain a healthy body weight.

Visit Legacy ER & Urgent Care for Sprained Knee Treatment

Legacy ER & Urgent Care is here to meet your medical care needs by providing affordable pricing and quality care. As part of Intuitive Health’s innovative hybrid model ER and urgent care system, patients are only billed for the level of care they receive from professional and highly trained medical staff. With six facilities located in the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex, emergent and non-emergent care are accessible and transparent, focusing on superb customer service.

Legacy ER & Urgent Care has six convenient locations in the DFW area:

• Allen – Legacy ER & Urgent Care is located at 1310 W. Exchange Pkwy Allen, TX 75013, and may be reached at 972-526-5819.
• Coppell – Legacy ER & Urgent Care is located at 330 S Denton Tap Rd Coppell, TX 75019 and may be reached at 469-702-9917.
• Frisco East – Legacy ER & Urgent Care is located at 16151 Eldorado Pkwy Frisco, TX 75035 and may be reached at 972-526-7009.
• Frisco West – Legacy ER & Urgent Care is located at 9205 Legacy Dr. Frisco, TX 75033, and may be reached at 972-526-7020.
• McKinney – Legacy ER & Urgent Care is located at 2810 Hardin Blvd McKinney, TX 75072 and may be reached at 972-573-6688.
• North Richland Hills – Legacy ER & Urgent Care is located at 8950 N. Tarrant Pkwy North Richland Hills, TX 76182, and may be reached at 817-663-1247