Knee Sprain
Most sprains are successfully managed without surgery. However, full recovery will require some work on the patient’s part. Based on the grade of the sprain, we create a unique plan that incorporates therapies to decrease inflammation and strengthening routines to rebuild the stability of your knee.
About Knee Sprains
The term “sprain” refers to the tearing of ligament fibers. “Ligaments” are made up of many fibers that run parallel to each other. These fibers bundle together to form a strong band that holds your bones together. Similarly, just like a rope, when a ligament gets pulled past its capacity, it begins to fray or tear.
Sprain grades depend on the amount of damage to the ligament fibers.
- Grade 1:
- Painfully stretched ligament, but no fibers were torn.
- Grade 2:
- Some, but not all, fibers have been torn.
- Grade 3:
- All fibers have been torn, and your ligament can no longer protect the joint.
Knee stability is created primarily through four major ligaments:
- Anterior cruciate ligament (ACL)
- Posterior cruciate ligament (PCL)
- Medial collateral ligament (MCL)
- Lateral collateral ligament (LCL).
Most knee sprains result from a sudden stop, twist, or blow from the side or front of the knee. In addition, some patients will recall hearing a “pop” at the time of injury. After a knee sprain, your knee may be tender to touch. Also, some patients report feeling a sensation of their knee “giving out” or report difficulty walking.
The MCL is the most commonly injured ligament of the knee and accounts for almost 8% of all athletic injuries. The incidence of MCL injuries is higher in sports like football, skiing, and ice hockey.
Our Approach to Knee Sprains
Most sprains are successfully managed without surgery. However, successful recovery will require some work on the patient’s part. Based on the grade of the sprain, we create a unique plan that incorporates therapies to decrease inflammation and strengthening routines to rebuild the stability of your knee.
Your Visit With US
We start every visit with a comprehensive movement based assessment to identify any critical contributors to your pain. We then combine muscle release techniques with chiropractic adjustments to help relax your tight muscles and allow your body to move better and feel better. Then, most patients are brought to our rehab area, where we teach you how to extend your session’s benefits at home through stretches and exercises based on your needs and goals.
Visit Crux Sport & Spine today!