Knee Injuries: Knee Sprain Symptoms and Treatment

What is a knee sprain?

A 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 it’s 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 an avulsion fracture. The injury, usually a strain, occurs at the weakest part of the unit.

How do you prevent knee sprains?

Knee sprains can be prevented or greatly reduced by properly stretching and warming up the knee prior to any physical activity, practice or competition. The athlete should participate in a strength and conditioning program appropriate for their sport. Conditioning of the connective tissue (ligaments and tendons) can greatly reduce the incidence of injury. Tape (use knee braces) on vulnerable joints before practice or competition. Wear protective shoes. A twist or injury to the foot/ankle can affect the knee. It must also be understood that the rate of strengthening of connective tissue lags behind the rate of strengthening of muscle. Therefore the training program should consist of work involving low weight and high repetitions for 3 to 4 weeks at the beginning of a strength and conditioning program to begin the strengthening process of connecting tissue before muscle strength is increased.

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