what is a sprained knee

A sprained knee is an injury that occurs when the ligaments in and around the knee stretch too far or tear. Ligaments are string-like bands of tissue that connect the bones and provide stability for the joint. The knee joint has four major ligaments: the Anterior Cruciate (ACL), Posterior Cruciate (PCL), Medial Collateral (MCL), and Lateral Collateral (LCL) . The symptoms of a knee sprain include immediate pain in the knee after a direct blow or twist, pain with movement or activity in the knee, swelling, walking with a limp, a feeling that the knee is going to "give out" with standing and walking, and the feeling of a "pop" or "snap" felt in the knee when the injury occurred. Knee sprains can be caused by non-contact twisting of the knee or a direct blow to the knee. Athletes, especially those who play contact sports, are more prone to knee sprains, but they can happen to anyone as a result of an accident, a fall, or even a misstep. Treatment for knee sprains may include rest, ice, heat, compression, elevation, immobilization, injections, physical therapy, and in severe cases, surgery may be necessary. Recovery time depends on the severity of the injury, and most people recover from knee sprains with appropriate treatment.