Definition of a sprain in the knee
The sprain, also called “sprain” in medical terminology, is classified in the category of sports injuries. It is an injury to the soft tissues of the knee joint, such as ligaments, muscles and joint capsule. More specifically, it involves a severe overstretching or twisting of the knee joint, resulting in a sprain. Depending on the course of the accident, the respective structures can be damaged to varying degrees. The knee joint represents a typical location for a sprain in relation to the entire body.
Causes
A sprain most often occurs during sporting activities, especially team sports often lead to sprained injuries. Since the knee joint is a ligament-secured joint, it is obvious that these structures are most likely to be damaged in the event of overstretching as well as external stress and violence. A sprain can also occur as a result of jerky movements and rapid changes of direction, each with short-term overstretching. The extent of the injury itself varies depending on the severity of the overstretching. Usually, only the ligaments and muscles are affected at first, but in severe cases the joint capsule may also be affected or the soft tissue structures may even tear.
Sprain diagnosis
If you suspect a sprain in the knee joint, you should consult a doctor for safety reasons. The diagnosis is based on the classic symptoms such as pain, swelling and bruising and a detailed medical history of the accident. This allows a sprain to be diagnosed relatively quickly without the need for instrumental diagnostics in the form of X-rays, MRI or CT. It is important, however, that the functionality or movement of the knee joint is maintained, although only to a reduced extent due to pain and swelling. Otherwise, further diagnostic procedures may be able to rule out more serious injuries.
Symptoms of a sprain in the knee
The classic symptoms of a sprained knee joint are pain, swelling and bruising. The swelling occurs when a sprain is caused by tissue infiltration or small bruises. The bruising in turn is caused by the rupture of vessels in the knee joint area.
Typically, the sprain is accompanied by a restriction of movement due to the swelling and pain. This is relatively moderate compared to more serious injuries to the knee and still allows a certain degree of resilience and mobility in the knee joint. However, functionality should be maintained, even if to a limited extent.
As long as this is the case, a sprain can still be assumed, otherwise possible more serious injuries involving the bones must be clarified. The pain is simply based on irritation of the soft tissue structures supplied with nerves and the resulting swelling in the form of stretching/tension pain. In the long term, a sprain of the knee joint can lead to ligament instability.
This is accompanied by an increased risk of further knee injuries involving the soft tissue. The knee becomes more vulnerable and is less resistant to overstretching or enormous external forces. In the case of a single sprain, however, such knee instabilities are less likely to occur. Therefore, it is important to try to recover relatively quickly after a sprain by sparing the knee joint and treating it correctly.
