Can you sprain a knee

One treatment method is known as RICE, which stands for rest, ice, compression, and elevation. If done…. Sprains and strains are both common injuries that affect different parts of the body. They occur when the ligaments or tendons are damaged. In this…. What is knee strain? Symptoms Strain vs. What is a knee strain? Strain or sprain? Home treatment. Medical treatment.

Recovery time. Speaking with a doctor. Exposure to air pollutants may amplify risk for depression in healthy individuals. Costs associated with obesity may account for 3. Related Coverage. Common causes of severe knee pain. Medically reviewed by William Morrison, M. Patellofemoral pain syndrome runner's knee. What causes pain behind the knee? What is the RICE method for injuries? What is the difference between a sprain and a strain? Get helpful tips and guidance for everything from fighting inflammation to finding the best diets for weight loss Stay on top of latest health news from Harvard Medical School.

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Overview While they both affect the knee joint, knee sprains and strains are separate conditions. Knee strain or sprain causes Knee strains occur when a tendon or muscle in the knee is damaged, often from overuse or a sudden, dramatic increase of use of the knees.

Common causes of knee sprains include: A fall, collision or other hit to the body, such as during a contact sport Placing sudden, excessive weight on the knee joint An abrupt twist of the knee joint Knee strain or sprain risk factors You may be at an increased risk of experiencing a knee sprain or strain if you: Play contact or non-contact sports Have impaired balance or coordination Have muscle weaknesses or inflexibilities in the leg Knee strain or sprain symptoms Knee strains and sprains can range from moderate to severe, and symptoms will vary accordingly.

General symptoms of a knee strain or sprain include: Swelling, pain and tenderness in and around the knee Buckling of the knee Trouble bending the leg Symptoms of a knee sprain will further depend upon which ligament, or ligaments, have been torn. Knee strain or sprain prevention While some knee injuries result from accidents that are hard to prevent, you can reduce your risk of knee sprains or strains by: Wearing proper, supportive footwear when exercising Always warming up before exercising Stretching and strengthening the leg muscles Making changes to your exercise or training regimen incrementally, not suddenly Knee strain or sprain diagnosis When diagnosing a possible knee sprain or strain, your doctor will ask about how the pain started, including whether the pain started immediately following in injury, or developed gradually over time.

Your doctor will also examine the affected knee, looking for: Swelling Altered knee shape Tenderness Discoloration Fluid in the joint Your doctor may recommend the following imaging procedures as well: X-ray MRI scan Arthroscopy Knee strain or sprain treatment After consulting a doctor, you can generally treat mild knee sprains and strains at home, by: Resting, icing, compressing and elevating the joint Taking over-the-counter anti-inflammatories, as needed Following a physical therapy routine, provided by your doctor Severe sprains may require additional measures such as surgery to repair the damaged tissues.