Providing specialized orthopedic care at six convenient locations across Northeast Wisconsin. Click to find a location near you.
(920) 560-1000

Knee “Sprain”

A knee sprain is a common soft tissue injury that results when ligaments within or around the knee are stretched and torn. The severity of a knee sprain is determined by the degree of ligament injury, ranging from mild to moderate to severe. Even with appropriate treatment, such injuries may need a long time to heal.

What causes a Knee Sprain?

Knee ligaments are often injured when there is sudden force on the knee. Knee sprains often occur during athletic activities or jobs with a lot of walking, moving, and lifting. Any number of things can contribute to a knee sprain:

  • Forced twisting of the knee
  • Sudden stopping
  • Shifting your weight
  • Landing awkwardly
  • A blow to the outer or inner side of the knee
  • A blow to the front of the knee while knee is bent and foot is firmly planted

How do you know you have a Knee Sprain?

The primary symptoms of a knee sprain include:

  • Pain/tenderness
  • Stiffness
  • Swelling
  • Bruising
  • Knee instability (buckling or giving out)

How does OSI fix a Knee Sprain?

OSI’s board-certified, highly trained knee specialists have the knowledge and expertise to diagnose and treat any level of knee sprain severity. Your OSI physician will likely do the following to ensure an accurate knee sprain diagnosis and initiate the most effective treatment plan:

  • Physical exam: Your doctor will ask about any symptoms and how the injury occurred. The range of motion in your knee will be evaluated and assessed for stability.
  • Imaging tests: X-rays or an MRI may be ordered to confirm an injury.

Nonsurgical Treatment

Nonsurgical treatments for knee sprain include:

  • RICE (Rest, Ice, Compression, Elevation) protocol
  • Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications
  • Physical therapy
  • Cortisone injections
  • Supportive braces

Surgical Treatment

In limited cases that don’t respond to other care, your orthopedic surgeon may recommend surgery – often arthroscopic – to repair torn ligaments.