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Sprained Knee Treatment in Madison, WI

Sprained KneeWhile a sprained knee may not initially seem severe, continuing with physical activity without addressing the injury can lead to significant complications, especially if ligaments are torn. Ignoring the injury may exacerbate the damage. Seek assistance from the joint specialists at Pro Spine & Pain in Wisconsin promptly. Consulting with a doctor can accurately diagnose a knee sprain and facilitate the necessary treatment for a speedy recovery.

    Despite the robustness of the knee joint, sprains can occur quite easily due to its intricate structure comprising ligaments, bones, cartilage, muscles, and tendons. A knee sprain results from the stretching or tearing of ligaments, potentially involving other knee components as well.

    The knee relies on four ligaments for stability:

    1. Anterior cruciate ligament (ACL): Front knee joint stabilizer.
    2. Posterior cruciate ligament (PCL): Back knee stabilizer, crossing the ACL.
    3. Medial collateral ligament (MCL): Inner knee stabilizer.
    4. Lateral collateral ligament (LCL): Outer knee stabilizer, alongside the MCL, preventing sideways bending.

    Causes of a Sprained Knee

    Contact sports are a common cause of knee sprains or other sports-related injuries, as are sudden impacts like those in car accidents. Sprains can also occur from twisting, overstretching, or lifting heavy objects. Even simple activities like stepping off a curb can sprain a weakened knee.

    If you find it difficult to put weight on your leg due to knee pain, seek specialized care from Pro Spine & Pain’s expert joint specialists. They can pinpoint the precise problem for tailored treatment.

    Ligaments are comprised of connective tissue that connects bones to each other.

    In the case of ligament injuries, different actions cause sprains in each knee ligament:

    • ACL injuries typically stem from outside knee trauma or hyperextension, sudden stops, twists, pivots, or direction changes.
    • PCL injuries result from direct front knee impact.
    • MCL injuries occur from severe knee twists, with the lower leg moving outward.
    • LCL injuries often result from inside knee blows.

    Symptoms of a Knee Sprain

    When you injure your knee, symptoms often manifest immediately. However, beyond knee pain, there are common indicators, including swelling around the joint, increased pain when kneeling, possible instability or buckling sensations, tenderness, and difficulty moving the knee.

    Symptoms vary depending on the specific ligament affected by common knee injuries. Knee sprains are categorized into three grades:

    1. Grade I: Characterized by mild stretching of a ligament.
    2. Grade II: Indicates a moderate sprain, typically involving partial tearing of a ligament.
    3. Grade III: Represents a severe sprain, involving a complete tear or separation of a ligament that seriously impedes the range of motion.

    Understanding these symptoms and their severity helps in diagnosing and treating knee injuries effectively. If you’re experiencing any of these symptoms, seeking evaluation and treatment from a medical professional is crucial for proper management and recovery.

    Risk Factors for a Knee Sprain

    Grades of Sprained KneeWhile knee injury can occur at any age, certain activities elevate the risk. Casual activities like hiking and kickball even pose a risk. Competitive athletes face the greatest risk, with knee sprains being the most common injury in U.S. high schools.

    More intense sports inherently carry greater risks. Basketball, football, soccer, rugby, wrestling, gymnastics, hockey, and skiing involve twisting and turning motions that make the knees vulnerable. Even playing sports like golf, yoga, running a 5K, or mountain biking can lead to knee injuries. Everyday tasks such as gardening, stair climbing, or playing with children can also result in knee sprains.

    Regardless of the activity, understanding the risk factors and taking precautions are essential to prevent knee injuries and maintain overall joint health.

    Diagnosis of a Knee Sprain

    To diagnose a sprained knee, your doctor will conduct a physical exam. This will involve checking the knee’s range of motion, which is how far you can bend and straighten it. They might also compare it to your healthy knee. Be sure to tell them when you first noticed any pain or swelling, especially if you remember exactly how you hurt yourself. This information can help them confirm the diagnosis and recommend the best treatment.

    The doc might have you do some stretches or hold certain poses during the exam. These little tests help them figure out if your knee is sprained and rule out other stuff. No machines needed – they’ll just show you what to do and move your knee a bit.

    Sprained Knee Treatment

    For effective treatment of any grade of knee sprain, it’s essential to seek medical attention from Pro Spine & Pain in Wisconsin. Our pain management specialists conduct a thorough examination to assess the severity of the problem and to rule out any underlying conditions such as patellofemoral pain syndrome or patellar tendonitis, especially if the pain is localized around the kneecap.

    Upon diagnosis of a knee sprain, you can anticipate following the RICE protocol for several weeks to reduce swelling and inflammation and encourage healing. This involves rest, ice packs, compression, and elevation, supplemented by over-the-counter pain relievers like ibuprofen to alleviate pain and swelling. Properly wrapping the knee with an elastic bandage can also provide stability while you are recuperating.

    Research suggests that up to 90 percent of individuals with Grade I or Grade II sprains achieve full recovery with proper treatment. However, more severe sprains may necessitate two to four weeks for complete healing. Seeking prompt medical intervention and adhering to the prescribed treatment plan from both a doctor and a physical therapist is crucial for optimal recovery and preventing long-term complications.

    Knee Sprain Treatment Plan

    In the event of a grade III knee sprain, involving the injury, stretching, or tearing of multiple knee ligaments, your doctor will carefully assess and determine the most suitable treatment approach. This will entail a physical exam and may at times include a minimally invasive, arthroscopic surgical procedure guided by a camera to reconstruct the torn ligament.

    Regardless of the severity of your knee sprain symptoms, once the initial pain begins to subside, a rehabilitation program is initiated. Physical therapy plays a crucial role in this process, focusing on strengthening the muscles surrounding the knee joint and enhancing flexibility through targeted stretching and exercises.

    Patient Expeience

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    Staff was amazing, made me feel like family. Was very welcoming. 100% recommend. Will continue to see them for any future medical procedures. Thank you Dr. Dino! And staff !

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    I've been a patient of Dr. Dino for a few years and always get great results. Cheryl was as always a delight to have after the procedure. Her bedside manner was wonderful!

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    Prevention of a Knee Sprain

    While accidents happen, there are ways to shield your knees during exercise.

    Here’s how to keep them strong and healthy:

    • Strengthen your core and legs: This includes exercises like lunges, squats, and core work. Strong muscles support your joints and improve balance.
    • Warm up with stretches: Stretch your calves, hamstrings, and other leg muscles before any physical activity. This loosens them up and helps prevent injuries.
    • Be mindful during exercise: Avoid exercises that could strain your knees, especially when starting out. There are always alternative exercises that target the same muscle groups.

    By taking these simple steps, you can reduce your risk of knee sprains and keep your knees healthy for all your activities. After all, strong knees are essential for getting around and staying active!

    Don’t delay seeking assistance until your knee pain becomes debilitating. Reach out to the pain management experts at Pro Spine & Pain today for comprehensive evaluation and personalized treatment.

    Updated on Jun 28, 2024 by Pro Spine & Pain

    Pro Spine and Pain Team

    The interventional pain management physicians at Pro Spine & Pain are Ivy League-educated and trained. Recognized as Castle Connolly Top Doctors—a prestigious national accolade—we offer minimally invasive procedures to alleviate your pain and help you resume daily activities. Additionally, we specialize in regenerative medicine to initiate the healing process once you’re pain-free. Trusted by over 10,000 patients in Wisconsin, our team leverages multiple modalities to address your pain, including managing post-operative pain from previous surgeries. Our doctors prioritize upholding each patient’s dignity while delivering ethical and professional services.

    Our Team