Knee Sprain and Strain Treatment in Schaumburg, IL
Knee Sprains & Strains
Sprains are a common injury sustained by active participants of sports or physical fitness. This type of injury is a result of stretching or tearing the ligaments that support the joints in your body. Your knees are one of the most vulnerable joints that are susceptible to sprains that can result from sudden twisting motions.
At Barrington Orthopedic Specialists, our highly experienced, board-certified knee specialists can provide you with the relief you deserve from knee sprains:
If you have sustained a knee sprain, we are here to provide you with the relief you deserve. Schedule your first consultation with the team at Barrington Orthopedic Specialists today. If you’re in an emergency situation, visit the Immediate Care Clinic at our Schaumburg, IL location.
Knee Sprain vs. Knee Strain: Diagnosis & Treatment
Suffering from a knee injury? Understanding the difference between a sprain and a strain is the first step toward recovery. At Barrington Orthopedic Specialists, our board-certified, fellowship-trained sports medicine team is here to help you get back on your feet.
To accurately diagnose your injury, our specialists will perform a physical examination, take X-rays, discuss how the injury happened, and review your medical history. Additional diagnostic tools such as an MRI may be ordered to assess the damage to ligaments, tendons, and bones.
Once we identify the cause of your pain, we’ll create a personalized treatment plan. Most knee sprains and strains can be managed effectively with non-surgical methods, including:
- Rest and Ice: Limiting activity and applying ice to reduce swelling and pain.
- Compression and Elevation: Using a compression wrap and elevating the leg to minimize swelling.
- Physical Therapy: To restore strength, stability, and range of motion.
- Medication: Suggesting anti-inflammatory medications to manage inflammation.
For severe tears or injuries that don't respond to conservative care, surgery may be an option. Our dedicated team will guide you through every stage of your recovery, focusing on relieving pain and restoring your knee's function.
Orthopedic Knee Specialists at BOS
Meet the sports medicine and knee specialists who diagnose and treat knee sprains and strains for patients across the Barrington Orthopedic Specialists network.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a Knee Sprain?+
A knee sprain happens when a ligament—the tough bands of tissue that connect bones to other bones—is stretched or torn. This often occurs due to a sudden twist, a direct blow to the knee, or an awkward landing. Sprains are graded by severity, from a mild stretch (Grade 1) to a complete tear (Grade 3).
What is a Knee Strain?+
A knee strain, on the other hand, involves an injury to a muscle or a tendon (the tissue that connects muscle to bone). Strains are usually caused by overstretching or overusing the muscles around the knee, such as the quadriceps or hamstrings.
What Causes Knee Sprains?+
The joints of your body are supported by ligaments. Ligaments are strong bands of connective tissue that connect one bone to another. A sprain is a simple stretch or tear of the ligaments.
Common causes of knee sprains include:
- A sudden twist or pivot with the foot planted
- A direct blow to the side or front of the knee
- An awkward landing from a jump
Mild sprains often heal with the R.I.C.E. method (rest, ice, compression, elevation) and exercise. Moderate sprains may require bracing, while severe sprains might need surgery.
What Causes Knee Strains?+
Strains involve injuries to muscles or tendons, which connect muscles to bones. Strains can range from simple stretches to partial or complete tears of the muscle-tendon unit. Treatment for strains is similar to sprains: the R.I.C.E. method followed by exercises to relieve pain and restore mobility. Severe tears may require surgical repair.
What Are the Symptoms of Knee Sprains and Strains?+
Some of the most common symptoms of knee sprains and strains include:
- Swelling
- Weakness
- Buckling
- Bruising
- Tenderness
- Pain
- Popping
- Stiffness
- Muscle spasms
What Are the Treatment Options for Knee Sprains and Strains?+
The treatment options include:
- R.I.C.E. method (Rest, ice, compression, elevation)
- Anti-inflammatory medication
- Physical therapy
- Knee arthroscopy in severe cases
Athletes and fitness enthusiasts should pay attention to warning signs like pain and fatigue. Stretching before exercise and stopping before exhaustion can help prevent injuries. Poor muscle balance, lack of flexibility, or past injuries may contribute to stress injuries.
Consult an orthopedic surgeon for treatment and to develop a rehabilitation program for restoring function.