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Feeling knee pain after physical activity or doing simple exercises may be a sign that you have a knee sprain. This injury occurs when one or more ligaments (tissues that function to help connect and align the bones and joint) tear after physical activity.
A knee sprain can greatly affect a person's lifestyle because they will have trouble walking, bending their legs, and performing other important activities.
This type of injury usually affects athletes, and the recovery time can vary depending on the severity of the damage and the measures taken by the patient. Below, we will tell you about the symptoms, causes, and prevention measures.
What is a knee sprain?
It is an injury that usually affects the ligaments that connect the bones to a joint (especially those around the ankles, knees, and shoulders). This occurs when that tissue stretches or tears.
What are the causes of a knee sprain?
There are a variety of reasons why a person may experience this type of injury, especially among those who engage in regular physical activity. Learn about them here.
- Making sudden movements in the knee.
- Receiving a direct blow to the knee
- Exercising more than your body can handle.
- Jumping and stopping abruptly.
- Performing exercises that cause the knee to extend more than usual.
- Falling violently to the ground.
- Not warming up before physical activity.
- Not using the appropriate equipment
- Not warming up or stretching before exercise.
- Not using the proper protective equipment for physical activity.
Know the symptoms of a knee sprain
These can vary depending on the affected ligament, especially if you heard a sound when you injured yourself. In this context, we will tell you about the most common signs of a knee sprain.
- Swelling.
- Presence of bruises.
- Weakness.
- Tenderness.
- Intense pain.
- Stiffness.
How to prevent a knee sprain?
A knee sprain cannot be completely prevented, but there are measures you can take to take care of your knees and prevent them from getting injured.
- Perform stretching exercises before engaging in physical activity.
- After exercising, don't forget to stretch to release tension in your ligaments.
- Always remember to use the appropriate equipment for the sport or physical activity you are going to do.
- Footwear plays an important role, so use the proper one if you are going to walk or engage in sports.
- Take care of your weight, as this will help you avoid putting strain on your knees when walking.
What to do if you have a knee sprain?
The course of action depends on the type of pain and also what the specialist advises. Remember that seeking medical attention as soon as possible is the best way to treat the injury.
- Resting the knee will help reduce inflammation soon.
- When the injury first occurs, it is advisable to apply ice to the affected area. Depending on the severity, this can be done three times a day.
- Use an elastic bandage on the affected area.
- If the pain is intense, you can use crutches.
- If you cannot see a doctor immediately, it is advisable to take anti-inflammatory drugs to reduce pain.
It should be noted that in case of a possible knee sprain, you should seek the help of an orthopedic specialist, and in more severe cases, also a therapist to strengthen the affected joint.