Knee sprain
A knee sprain is one of the most common musculoskeletal injuries. It occurs when the force acting on the joint exceeds the strength of the stabilising ligaments and muscles. Knee sprains most often occur during sport, including football, basketball, running on uneven ground and skiing. They can damage important joint structures, such as the menisci, articular cartilage and ligaments.
Recommendations
Step 1 – Rest: avoid activities that trigger pain.
Step 2 – Ice: cool the knee and painful areas.
Step 3 – Compression: apply elastic bandages to the swollen area.
Step 4 – Elevation: raise the limb above heart level.
What complications may occur?
When should I see a doctor?
With the recommendations above, steps 1–4, most sprains heal within two to three weeks.
The most important point is to use all four steps together for several hours. Monitor the skin to avoid frostbite. Despite treatment, complications may develop, including meniscus or cartilage damage and lasting knee instability. An orthopaedic consultation should therefore follow every such injury. More severe cases may require an immobilising brace, forearm crutches to reduce loading, or early physiotherapy. At our clinic, ultrasound and digital X-rays help assess the severity of the injury.
