Knee Sprain Orthopaedic Knee sprain happens when the ligaments that connect the bones of the upper and lower leg at the knee joint are suddenly stretched or torn. Ligaments are strong band-like structures that hold bones and joints together. Causes • A sudden twisting of the knee joint may cause a knee sprain. Twisting of the knee joint happens commonly in sports such as football, basketball, and when there is a sudden change of position during running, jumping and landing. • Direct hits to the knee. Sprains may be caused by knocks or hits to the knees e.g. tripping and falling onto your knees while they are bent, or during a car accident. How serious is a knee sprain? The severity of a sprain can range from mild to severe, depending on how badly the ligament has been
stretched and whether or not the knee joint has been made unstable. Symptoms • Stiffness or decreased movement • Pain or tenderness • Painful pop that you can hear or feel • Swelling or bruising • Knee locking or giving out when you try to walk Diagnosis Your doctor will ask about the event’s happening and examine the knee to check the strength and movement of knee joint. X-rays, CT scan and Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) may be ordered, as necessary.