Knee Sprain

Overview

A knee sprain happens when a ligament in the knee is stretched or torn. Ligaments are tough bands of tissue that help hold the knee joint steady. A sprain can be mild, with only a small stretch, or more serious, with a partial or full tear.

Yes. Knee sprains are common, especially in people who play sports or do activities that involve twisting, turning, or sudden stops.

Knee sprains can affect anyone at any age. They are common in athletes, children who are active, and older adults who fall or twist the knee.

Symptoms

Common symptoms

• Pain in or around the knee, especially when moving or bearing weight
• Swelling that may appear soon after the injury or hours later
• Bruising or tenderness around the knee
• Feeling that the knee is weak, loose, or may give way
• Stiffness or trouble bending and straightening the knee
• A popping sound or feeling at the time of injury

Symptoms in children

• Limping or refusing to walk on the leg
• Swelling or bruising around the knee
• Crying or pulling away when the knee is touched or moved
• Being more clingy or less willing to play than usual

Symptoms in older adults

• Sudden knee pain after a fall, stumble, or awkward step
• Swelling and stiffness that may feel like arthritis flare-up
• Feeling unsteady or afraid of falling again
• Existing knee arthritis can make new injury symptoms harder to notice

Causes

Main causes

• Twisting the knee while the foot is planted
• Landing awkwardly from a jump
• A direct blow to the knee
• Overstretching the knee beyond its normal range
• Sudden stopping, turning, or changing direction

Risk factors

• Playing sports that involve twisting, jumping, or quick direction changes
• Not being conditioned for the activity you do
• A previous knee injury or loose ligaments
• Uneven or slippery ground
• Worn or unsupportive footwear
• Being tired or not warming up before activity

When to see a doctor

See a doctor urgently if:

• You cannot bear weight on the leg
• The knee is very swollen, hot, red, or feverish
• The knee looks deformed or you cannot move it
• Your foot or lower leg feels numb, cold, or changes color
• The knee gives way and feels very unstable

Book a routine appointment if:

• Pain or swelling does not start to improve after a few days
• You have a limp or cannot fully straighten the knee
• The knee keeps feeling weak or giving way
• You have had repeated knee sprains
• You are unsure how serious the injury is

Diagnosis

A healthcare provider will ask how the injury happened and examine your knee. They may compare it with your other knee, check how well it moves, and gently test the ligaments. This helps them understand which part of the knee may be injured.

Tests that may be done

• Physical examination of the knee
• X-ray to check for a broken bone
• MRI scan if a serious ligament or soft tissue injury is suspected
• Ultrasound scan in some cases
• Special movement tests to check knee stability

What to expect at your appointment

You may be asked to walk a few steps, bend and straighten the knee, and show where it hurts. Imaging is not always needed. If you need a scan, your provider will explain why and what happens next.

Treatment

The goals of treatment are to reduce pain and swelling, protect the knee, and slowly restore movement and strength. Most knee sprains do not need surgery. A physiotherapist can guide you through safe exercises.

Self-care at home

• Protect the knee from further injury and avoid painful activity for a short time
• Rest the knee, but do not keep it completely still for long
• Use an ice pack wrapped in a cloth for short periods to help with swelling
• Use a compression bandage if advised, making sure it is not too tight
• Elevate the leg on pillows when possible
• Start gentle movement and strengthening exercises as advised by a healthcare provider or physiotherapist
• Return to sport or heavy activity slowly, not before the knee feels stable and strong

Medical treatments

Treatment may include advice on pain relief from a pharmacist or healthcare provider, physiotherapy, a brace or support, and crutches for a short time if walking is painful. A physiotherapist can teach exercises to improve movement, strength, and balance. Your provider will discuss options that are right for you.

When is surgery considered?

Surgery is uncommon for a simple knee sprain. It may be considered if a ligament is badly torn, if other parts of the knee are injured, or if the knee remains very unstable despite rehabilitation. Your healthcare provider will explain the risks and benefits if surgery is an option.

Living with this condition

In the first few days, you may need to change how you move around the house and avoid stairs where possible. Use handrails, wear supportive shoes, and give yourself extra time. As the knee improves, slowly add normal activities back.

Lifestyle tips

• Keep up gentle movement and physiotherapy exercises
• Build strength in the muscles around the knee and hip
• Choose low-impact activities such as swimming or cycling when ready
• Maintain a healthy weight to reduce strain on the knee
• Wear supportive footwear, especially on uneven ground
• Avoid suddenly increasing activity levels

Diet and exercise

A balanced diet with enough protein, vitamins, and minerals supports healing. Gentle exercise and physiotherapy are key to getting movement and strength back. Ask a healthcare provider or physiotherapist before returning to sport or heavy exercise.

Mental health and emotional wellbeing

Being injured can be frustrating, especially if you cannot do your usual sport, work, or daily activities. It is normal to feel worried, low, or isolated. If these feelings are heavy or last a long time, reach out to a healthcare provider or a local mental health service. If you feel in crisis, contact your local crisis line or emergency service.

Prevention

You cannot prevent every knee sprain, but you can lower your risk. Warm up before activity, build strength and balance, wear suitable footwear, and avoid suddenly doing much more than your body is used to.

Vaccines

There is no vaccine for knee sprain.

Screening programmes

No screening test is needed for knee sprain.

Complications

If left untreated

• Ongoing knee instability or repeated sprains
• Stiffness or loss of full knee movement
• Weak muscles around the knee
• Higher chance of knee problems later, such as arthritis
• A missed broken bone or more serious ligament injury

Long-term outlook

Most people with a knee sprain recover well, especially with rest and a rehabilitation plan. Recovery can take weeks to months depending on how severe the sprain is. Some people need physiotherapy to get back to full strength. If you are concerned, ask your healthcare provider for guidance.

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