Knee sprain

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A sprain, ligament strain or twist of the knee is an injury to the ligaments of the knee due to strain, excessive stretching, twisting or tearing.

It originates when the joint area is affected by mechanical action (the demand of a rough movement, excessive articular opening or closing, anti-natural movement), or by violence (fall, blow).

It causes inflammation and pain (at first intense, later decreasing), causing functional impotence and even temporary paralysis of the knee.

It is diagnosed by performing medical questioning, physical examination of the knee and imaging tests such as radiography and/or MRI.

Depending on the type of sprain, conservative (rest, painkillers) or surgical treatment will be required.

Bibliographic references
  1. Carlton J Covey, MD, Robert H Shmerling, MD. Approach to the adult with unspecified knee pain. Uptodate. Feb 07, 2017.
  2. Nguyen US, Zhang Y, Zhu Y, et al. Increasing prevalence of knee pain and symptomatic knee osteoarthritis: survey and cohort data. Ann Intern Med 2011; 155:725.
  3. Razek AA, Fouda NS, Elmetwaley N, Elbogdady E. Sonography of the knee joint(). J Ultrasound 2009; 12:53.
  4. National Clinical Guideline Center. Osteoarthritis: care and management in adults. National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence: Guidance, London 2014. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/25340227 (Accessed on September 24, 2016).
  5. Zhang W, Doherty M, Peat G, et al. EULAR evidence-based recommendations for the diagnosis of knee osteoarthritis. Ann Rheum Dis 2010; 69:483.
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Symptoms

    Knee pain


    Knee pain starts following a snapping sound


    Joint stiffness


    Knee pain increase when bearing weight


    Bruise in the knee

Symptoms to watch out for

Pain that does not subside with analgesics.
Fever (temperature higher than 100.4 ºF)

Self-care

Take over-the-counter pain relievers or anti-inflammatories.
Relative rest, rest until symptoms subside.
Apply local cold to the injured area 3 times a day to reduce inflammation.
Avoid sudden movements.