KNEE SPRAIN |
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General Information
DEFINITION--Violent overstretching of one or more ligaments in the knee. Sprains involving two or more ligaments cause considerably more disability than single-ligament sprains. When the ligament is overstretched, it becomes tense and gives way at its weakest point, either where it attaches to bone or within the ligament itself. If the ligament pulls loose a fragment of bone, it is called a SPRAIN-FRACTURE. There are 3 types of sprains:
Mild (Grade I)--Tearing of some ligament fibers. There is no loss of function.
Moderate (Grade II)--Rupture of a portion of the ligament, resulting in some loss of function.
Severe (Grade III)--Complete rupture of the ligament or complete separation of ligament from bone. There is total loss of function. A severe sprain requires surgical repair.
BODY PARTS INVOLVED
Any of the many ligaments in the knee.
Tissue surrounding the sprain, including blood vessels, tendons, bone, periosteum (covering of bone) and muscles.
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SIGNS & SYMPTOMS
Severe pain at the time of injury.
A feeling of popping or tearing inside the knee.
Tenderness at the injury site.
Swelling in the knee.
Bruising that appears soon after injury.
CAUSESStress on a ligament that temporarily forces or pries the knee out of its normal location. Sprains occur frequently in runners, walkers, and those who jump in such sports as basketball, soccer, volleyball, skiing, and distance- or high-jumping. These athletes often accidentally land on the side of the foot.
RISK INCREASES WITH
Contact, running and jumping sports.
Previous knee injury.
Obesity.
Poor muscle conditioning.
Inadequate protection from equipment.
HOW TO PREVENT
Build your strength with a conditioning program appropriate for your sport.
Warm up before practice or competition.
Tape vulnerable joints before practice or competition.
Wear proper protective shoes. A twist or injury to the foot can affect the knee.
WHAT TO EXPECT
APPROPRIATE HEALTH CARE
Doctor's diagnosis.
Application of tape, cast or elastic bandage.
Self-care during rehabilitation.
Physical therapy (moderate or severe sprain).
Surgery (severe sprain).
DIAGNOSTIC MEASURES
Your own observation of symptoms.
Medical history and exam by a doctor.
X-rays of the knee, hip and ankle to rule out fractures.
POSSIBLE COMPLICATIONS
Prolonged healing time if usual activities are resumed too soon.
Proneness to repeated injury.
Inflammation at the ligament attachment to bone (periostitis).
Prolonged disability (sometimes).
Unstable or arthritic knee following repeated injury.
PROBABLE OUTCOMEIf this is a first-time injury, proper care and sufficient healing time before resuming activity should prevent permanent disability. Ligaments have a poor blood supply, and torn ligaments require as much healing time as fractures. Average healing times are:
Mild sprains--2 to 6 weeks.
Moderate sprains--6 to 8 weeks.
Severe sprains--8 weeks to 10 months.
HOW TO TREAT
NOTE -- Follow your doctor's instructions. These instructions are supplemental.
FIRST AIDUse instructions for R.I.C.E., the first letters of REST, ICE, COMPRESSION and ELEVATION. See Appendix 1 for details.
CONTINUING CAREThe doctor usually applies a splint from the ankle to the groin to immobilize the sprained knee. If the doctor does not apply a cast, tape or elastic bandage:
Continue using an ice pack 3 or 4 times a day. Place ice chips or cubes in a plastic bag. Wrap the bag in a moist towel, and place it over the injured knee. Use for 20 minutes at a time.
Wrap the injured knee with an elasticized bandage.
After 72 hours, apply heat instead of ice, if it feels better. Use heat lamps, hot soaks, hot showers, heating pads, or heat liniments or ointments.
Take whirlpool treatments, if available.
Massage gently and often to provide comfort and decrease swelling.
MEDICATION
For minor discomfort, you may use:
Aspirin, acetaminophen or ibuprofen.
Topical liniments and ointments.
Your doctor may prescribe:
Stronger pain relievers.
Injection of a long-acting local anesthetic to reduce pain.
Injection of a corticosteroid, such as triamcinolone, to reduce inflammation.
General anesthetic for surgery or arthroscopy (See Glossary) of the knee joint.
ACTIVITYResume your normal activities gradually after clearance from your doctor.
DIETDuring recovery, eat a well-balanced diet that includes extra protein, such as meat, fish, poultry, cheese, milk and eggs. Increase fiber and fluid intake to prevent constipation that may result from decreased activity.
REHABILITATION
Begin daily rehabilitation exercises when the cast or supportive wrapping is no longer necessary.
Use ice massage for 10 minutes before and after exercise. Fill a large Styrofoam cup with water and freeze. Tear a small amount of foam from the top so ice protrudes. Massage firmly over the injured area in a circle about the size of a softball.
See section on rehabilitation exercises.
CALL YOUR DOCTOR IF
You have symptoms of a moderate or severe knee sprain, or a mild sprain persists longer than 2 weeks.
Pain, swelling or bruising worsens despite treatment.
Any of the following occur after casting or splinting:
Pain, numbness or coldness below the cast or splint.
Blue, gray or dusky toenails.
Any of the following occur after surgery:
Increased pain, swelling, redness, drainage or bleeding in the surgical area.
Signs of infection (headache, muscle aches, dizziness, or a general ill feeling with fever).
New, unexplained symptoms develop. Drugs used in treatment may produce side effects.
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