Medically Reviewed by Andrew Staples, PA-C
A knee sprain is a common injury that occurs when one of your four major knee ligaments stretches too far or partially tears. This is often a sports-related injury. The four ligaments are the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL), posterior cruciate ligament (PCL), medial collateral ligament (MCL) and lateral collateral ligament (LCL), which work together to stabilize your knee joint. The ACL and PCL form an “X” as they cross each other inside your knee and work together to control the back and forth motion of your knee.
The ACL is in the middle of your knee and is responsible for keeping the tibia (shinbone) from sliding in front of the femur (thighbone). The PCL runs down the back of your knee and prevents the tibia from sliding behind the femur. Your MCL is on the inside of your knee. This ligament makes sure your femur does not swing too far outward. The LCL is across from the MCL on the outside of the knee and also controls the femur’s side to side movement.
Types of Knee Sprains
Most knee sprains can be treated without surgery, but severe sprains may require surgical intervention. Below is a list of the types of knee sprains and are graded on a severity scale.
- Grade 1 Sprains: The ligament is mildly damaged and slightly stretched but is still able to help keep the knee joint stable.
- Grade 2 Sprains: The ligament is stretched to the point where it becomes loose, often referred to as a partial tear.
- Grade 3 Sprains: Referred to as a complete tear of the ligament; the ligament has been split into two pieces, and the knee joint is unstable.
Causes of Knee Sprain Injuries
A knee sprain is a painful injury that can happen to anyone. Your ligaments stretch or tear the easiest when you suddenly pivot or turn your leg in an unnatural way. The ligament affected depends on the direction your leg is pulled. Knee sprains often happen during activities like sports, where direct force or a sudden movement occurs.
Common Symptoms of a Knee Sprain
The following are sprained knee symptoms:
- Pain around the affected area
- Swelling around the sprained section of the knee
- Knee instability, leading to your knee buckling under the pressure of your weight
- Bruising, moderate to severe, depending on the sprain
- A popping sound when the injury occurs
- Stiffness and decreased movement due to pain
- Limited to no range of motion
- Depending on which ligament you injure, your symptoms could differ.
How to Treat a Knee Sprain
To determine if you have a knee sprain, your Raleigh Orthopaedic sports medicine physician will ask you for a complete medical history, have you describe your symptoms and how the knee injury occurred and conduct a physical examination. An X-ray or MRI may be necessary to confirm the diagnosis and determine if there are other problems.
The fastest way to heal a knee sprain is resting the injury at home and physical therapy.
There are several treatment options for a knee sprain. In most cases, you won’t need surgery. An ACL tear is the most likely ligament to need surgery.
- Rest
- Ice
- Compression
- Elevation
- Brace
- Physical therapy exercises
- Over the counter pain medication
Recovery From a Knee Sprain
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.
Schedule an Appointment with Raleigh Orthopaedic
If you’re dealing with pain, discomfort, or an injury, don’t wait to get the care you need. Our expert team at Raleigh Orthopaedic is here to help you feel better, move better, and get back to doing what you love. Schedule an appointment online or call us at 919-781-5600 to be seen—often within 48 hours. For immediate care, we offer walk-in orthopedic urgent care services. Click here for hours and locations.
Disclaimer: The information on this site is for general informational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. It should not be used as a substitute for professional diagnosis, treatment, or medical judgment. Always consult a physician or qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have about a medical condition or treatment.