How to Take Care of a Sprained Knee

When joints like the elbows, shoulders, hips and knees become damaged, it is not only painful and difficult to move around, but the likelihood of furthering the damage or ending up with a permanent or debilitating condition increases. Here is how to take care of a sprained knee.

Things You'll Need

• Ice pack
• Pain reliever (over-the-counter or other if prescribed by your physician)
• Crutches

Instructions

1. 

   Apply an ice bag to the knee to deal with any swelling that may have occurred. Make sure you put a towel or other thick cloth over the knee before applying the ice pack since the cold could possibly burn the skin.

2. Sit in a recliner or couch that will make it possible for you to keep the lower leg and knee elevated as much as possible. Try to keep the leg as straight as possible, as keeping your knee bent could cause it to become stiff and further impede any movement.

3. It is important to do as little walking or standing as possible for several days to allow the tissue, muscle, tendons and the joint to heal. If you live alone, you might consider having a friend, neighbor or family member put a supply of magazines, a book, healthy snacks and bottled water or other fluid on a table beside where you will be reclining or laying down.

4. 

   Get a pair of crutches for those times you have to move, such as going to the restroom or getting something to eat or drink.

5. 

   Keep a pain reliever, or a prescription pain reliever if your physician prescribes one, on the table nearby. If you take any other medications for other diseases or medical conditions, have these placed within reach as well.

6. Any bruising will begin to dissipate after several days, going from black and blue, to purple, to green, and then fading completely.

7. Follow all directions given by the physician who diagnosed your injury. Contact him immediately if your toes, lower legs or feet begin to tingle, become numb, or swell. If this happens, there could be problems with your blood circulation with the sprain, especially with swelling of the injured knee.

Tips & Warnings

• Follow your doctor's orders as to how to take any pain relievers.

Resources

• Read this Article in Spanish