Is it possible to sprain your knee cap

Strains often result from overuse or a sudden increase in pressure on the joint, while sprains often result from falls or collisions during contact sports other physical activities. Knee strains or sprains can cause swelling, pain and tenderness in the affected knee, as well as buckling and trouble bending the knee.

While many strains and sprains can be treated at home, you should call your doctor immediately if your knee pain is so severe that you cannot walk or bend the knee. 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.

If the pain is debilitating, you may be prescribed stronger medication. This includes playing sports. While sitting or sleeping, you can also prop your leg up on pillows to get it higher than your heart to help reduce the swelling. An ice pack on the knee for 20 minutes every few hours can reduce swelling but check with a doctor first, especially if you have diabetes. The ice will also help pain and can stop any bleeding inside the joint.

An elastic bandage can also help with swelling, but be sure not to wrap your knee too tightly because it can cut off your blood circulation.

If the wrap makes the pain worse, your knee starts to get numb, or your lower leg swells up, loosen the bandage. The doctor may give you a brace to protect your knee and stabilize it while it heals. This will keep you from moving it too much or over-stretching it. A doctor or physical therapist may recommend exercises based on the extent of your injury and where you are in your recovery:. If the ligament is torn, you may need surgery.

This process usually involves reattaching the torn ligament or replacing it with a piece of healthy tendon. The surgeon will make a few small incisions and drill little holes in your calf and thigh bones. The graft is attached to the bones, which will grow around it. Many grade 1 and 2 knee sprains heal within two to four weeks. People who need surgery, however, may take as long as four to six months to recover. About 80 to 90 percent of people with ACL injuries and 80 percent of those with PCL injuries will experience a full recovery.

While most knee sprains will heal without surgery, avoid the temptation to go back to your normal activities or playing sports without letting your knee heal completely. That can cause problems later on. Performing the recommended physical therapy exercises can help you get back to doing what you love.

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If surgery is necessary, it will be done arthroscopically, which means there will be a few small incisions made and it will usually take place at Raleigh Orthopaedic Surgery Center as an outpatient surgical procedure. Rehabilitation varies based on the injured ligament and how it is treated. The most important part of the healing process is getting you back to normal before resuming activities.

Rehabilitation will include a light to moderate physical therapy program, depending on your level of pain. This is necessary to improve joint stability, full range of motion and your knee strength. Recovery time is dependent on the ligament injured and the severity of the injury. Your well-being is important to us.

Click the button below or call us to schedule an appointment with one of our orthopedic specialists. If your injury or condition is recent, you can walk right into one of our Raleigh Orthopaedic Urgent Care locations for immediate care.

For rehabilitation and physical therapy, no referral is needed to see one of our physical therapists. Types of knee sprains Most knee sprains can be treated without surgery, but severe sprains may require surgical intervention. Grade 1 Sprains: The ligament is mildly damaged and slightly stretched but is still able to help keep the knee joint stable.