Knee Sprain: Care Instructions

Overview

A knee sprain is one or more stretched, partly torn, or completely torn knee ligaments. Ligaments are bands of ropelike tissue that connect bone to bone and make the knee stable. The knee has four main ligaments.

Knee sprains often happen because of a twisting or bending injury from sports such as skiing, basketball, soccer, or football. The knee turns one way while the lower or upper leg goes another way. A sprain also can happen when the knee is hit from the side or the front.

If a knee ligament is slightly stretched, you will probably need only home treatment. You may need a splint or brace (immobilizer) for a partly torn ligament. A complete tear may need surgery. A minor knee sprain may take up to 6 weeks to heal, while a severe sprain may take months.

How can you care for yourself at home?

• Follow instructions about how much weight you can put on your leg and how to walk with crutches.
• Prop up your leg on a pillow when you ice it or anytime you sit or lie down for the next 3 days. Try to keep it above the level of your heart. This will help reduce swelling.
• Put ice or a cold pack on your knee for 10 to 20 minutes at a time. Try to do this every 1 to 2 hours for the next 3 days (when you are awake) or until the swelling goes down. Put a thin cloth between the ice and your skin.
• Follow your doctor's directions for wearing an elastic bandage, a splint, or a brace (immobilizer). Wrapping the knee may help reduce or prevent swelling.
• Ask your doctor if you can take an over-the-counter pain medicine, such as acetaminophen (Tylenol), ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin), or naproxen (Aleve). Be safe with medicines. Read and follow all instructions on the label.
• Do not take two or more pain medicines at the same time unless the doctor told you to. Many pain medicines have acetaminophen, which is Tylenol. Too much acetaminophen (Tylenol) can be harmful.