A knee sprain is a common injury, especially among athletes. It occurs when one of the four main ligaments that stabilize the knee (particularly the anterior cruciate ligament) is stretched or torn. The severity of the injury can vary depending on which ligament is affected and the extent of the tear. This article will review the different types of knee sprains, the symptoms that may alert you, and the best solutions for each case.
Different Types of Knee Sprains
The knee has four main ligaments and two principal cartilages:
- The two lateral ligaments, located on either side of the knee
- The two cruciate ligaments, located in the center of the joint
- The internal and external menisci (cartilage pads between the tibia and femur)
A sprain occurs when a ligament is subjected to excessive tension, especially during “pivoting” sports such as football, tennis, skiing, rugby, or combat. If the pivoting tension is strong enough, one or both menisci might also tear. Mild sprains (Grade I) involve stretching or partial tearing of the ligaments and usually heal independently. In contrast, moderate (Grade II) or complete (Grade III) tears often require physiotherapy and possibly surgical intervention.
In the knee area, sprains of the lateral ligaments are generally mild. In contrast, those affecting the cruciate ligaments, especially the anterior cruciate ligament, are often more serious and are frequently associated with meniscal tears.
Symptoms of a Knee Sprain
In the case of a mild sprain, you may experience pain, swelling, and difficulty walking. Paradoxically, a mild sprain can be more painful than a severe one.
However, sure signs should alert you:
- If you heard or felt a popping sound in the joint
- If the pain is very intense
- If the knee locks
- If the knee feels unstable (it gives way) or is deformed
In these cases, it is recommended to:
- Apply ice to the knee for 10-15 minutes every 2 hours for 48 hours
- Wear a compression bandage or knee brace
- Consult a physiotherapist or doctor promptly to assess the severity of the injury
Physiotherapy Consultation, Medical Evaluation, and Additional Tests
The doctor or physiotherapist will conduct a clinical examination to determine if it is a severe sprain. Additional tests (X-ray, MRI, ultrasound) may be prescribed to evaluate the state of the ligaments and to look for any associated injuries.
Treatment and Physiotherapy for a Knee Sprain
Once the diagnosis is made, different treatments can be proposed based on the type of sprain and the patient’s expectations:
- For a mild sprain:
- Rest
- Ice application and elevation of the knee to reduce inflammation
- Wearing a knee brace or knee sleeve
- Short-term physiotherapy
- For a moderate sprain:
- Rest
- Ice application and elevation of the knee to reduce inflammation
- Wearing a knee brace
- Physiotherapy, including proprioceptive rehabilitation (exercises to improve joint control)
- For a severe sprain:
- Rest
- Ice application and elevation of the knee to reduce inflammation
- Wearing a knee brace
- Physiotherapy, including proprioceptive rehabilitation (exercises to improve joint control)
- Possible surgery followed by intensive physiotherapy
The decision to undergo surgery will depend on the patient’s level of sports activity, professional activities, and potential risks of not treating the injury.
Returning to Sport and Preventing Recurrences
Resuming sports or pre-injury activities gradually after a knee sprain is generally possible. However, adhering to your physiotherapist’s recommended recovery and rehabilitation timelines is essential to minimize the risk of recurrence and secondary complications.
You can expect a recovery time of 2-4 weeks for a Grade I sprain, 4-8 weeks for a Grade II sprain, and 8-16 weeks for a Grade III sprain.
To prevent recurrences, it is also essential to strengthen the knee muscles and work on proprioception through targeted exercises, highlighting the importance of physiotherapy.
Orthoses and Orthopedic Insoles: Additional Support?
Using knee braces or support can help improve knee stability and reduce imbalances that lead to sprains. While they may not always be sufficient to treat a severe sprain fully, these solutions can help prevent recurrences and provide additional support during physiotherapy and the resumption of sports activities.
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