How Does a Knee Sprain Occur?
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Sprain Defined
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The knee is a very complex joint comprised of several ligaments surrounding the patella (knee cap) at the center front of the joint, which connects the femur (thigh bone), tibia and fibula (lower leg or shin bones).
A knee sprain is an over stretching or, in some cases, a tearing of one or more ligaments. A sprain may also involve the surrounding tissue, including blood vessels, tendons, bone, or muscles.
There are three types of sprains: mild or Grade 1 involves tearing of some ligament fiber and usually results in no loss of function. A moderate or Grade 2 sprain involves a rupture or partial tear of a portion of the ligament, resulting in some function loss. A severe or Grade 3 sprain is a complete tearing of the ligament or separation of the ligament from the bone. A severe sprain requires surgical repair.
Unlike a strain, which affects the tendons and muscles, a sprain can be much more debilitating and require more intense treatment and care.
Causes
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The most common cause of a sprain is stress placed on a ligament that temporarily moves the knee out of its normal position.
Athletes who run, jump or stretch too violently are especially susceptible to a sprain. Athletes who participate in sports like volleyball, basketball, soccer, or football are often prone to knee sprain. Risk of knee sprain increases with contact, running and jumping sports. It also increases with a previous injury which may have weakened the ligaments.
One need not be an athlete, however, to sustain a knee sprain. Obesity or poor conditioning may result in knee sprain, too.
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Symptoms
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Signs and symptoms of a sprain are pain at the time of injury; tenderness and swelling of the knee, and bruising of the area.
Treatment
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The best course of treatment initially is R.I.C.E. That simply means rest, ice compression, and elevation. It's a home remedy that is recommended by physicians to work wonders.
For Grade 1 sprains, ice and rest is usually sufficient until the symptoms subside. Over-the-counter pain medication may be helpful.
When dealing with Grade 2 sprains, a visit to the emergency room or physician is strongly recommended. A health care professional will diagnose (most likely with an X-ray to rule out a fracture) and prescribe the best course of treatment. The use of tape or soft-cast may be used. Crutches may be occasionally necessary, and physical therapy might be recommended.
With Grade 3 sprains, a visit to the emergency room is strongly suggested.
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