By definition, a sprained knee is when you injure one of the knee joint ligaments. Sprain in the knee causes the ligament to stretch and it swells. Needless to say, the injury is painful but it is not very serious. Very easily, you can recover by taking adequate rest. In case your knee is severely injured, you should consider walking using clutches to not to exert too much pressure on the injured knee. Also, getting an MRI done is a safe option to ascertain there is no structural damage.
A sprained knee may be a result of an injury caused by stressing or twisting the knees during sports activities. It could also be a blow to your knee by falling and landing on your knees. Previous injury to the knee and sports including basketball, football, downhill skiing increase the risk of a knee sprain but it is not that everyone involved in the activities will get hurt. The symptoms of a sprained knee normally include bruising, swelling, pain, redness, instability of joint, inability to move or bear weight. It could be mild or severe but just in case, you should seek a doctor the first thing when you get hurt.
Ice and rest are the magic medicines of the sprained knee. Rest is the most important thing after you hurt your knee. Substantial stress on your injured knee can make it much worse. Ice, on the other hand, elevates the pain and controls the swelling. You should wrap bandage around your knee in order to support it and elevate the knee as much as you can.
