Pain with movement or activity in the knee. Swelling in the knee. Walking with a limp or a feeling that the knee is going to “give out” with standing and walking. The feeling of a “pop” or “snap” felt in the knee when the injury occurred.
Walking will not damage your knee further. Always try to walk normally – i.e. heel down first. In the early stages after injury excessive weight bearing may cause increased pain and swelling. You may be given crutches for a short time to help with this.
A minor knee sprain may take up to 6 weeks to heal, while a severe sprain may take months. Follow-up care is a key part of your treatment and safety. Be sure to make and go to all appointments, and call your doctor or nurse advice line (811 in most provinces and territories) if you are having problems.
Doctors recommend a combination of rest, ice, compression, and elevation—called the RICE regimen—for one or two weeks after diagnosis. Resting the affected ligaments, tendons, and muscles, gives the knee time to heal.
The term twisted knee is a catchall for two different types of injuries: a sprained knee, which involves injury to the ligaments around the knee joint, and a strained knee, which involves the muscles and/or tendons. Injuries are usually referred to as twisted knees in order to avoid confusion.
Get advice from 111 now if:
your knee is very painful. you cannot move your knee or put any weight on it. your knee is badly swollen or has changed shape. you have a very high temperature, feel hot and shivery, and have redness or heat around your knee – this can be a sign of infection.
Stretching the knee, thigh, and leg can gradually restore your range of motion to pre-injury levels, while strengthening thigh and leg muscles can help to support the knee.
Massaging the knee can be very beneficial if you are experiencing stiffness, pain, or swelling in your knees. Whatever the cause of your knee injury may be, massaging the knee can provide relaxation and take pressure off any nerves that may be causing you pain.
Wrap an elastic bandage around your knee to help control swelling. Make the bandage fit snugly around your knee, but not tight enough to cause pain or leg swelling. Elevation. Lying down with your knee propped up on pillows may help control pain and swelling.
The meniscus is very tightly bound down – meaning it doesn't have much room for manoeuvre when the knee twists. When your knee twists, often the meniscus takes the brunt of the twist and can develop tears, which are extremely painful and can cause the knee to feel like it wants to “lock” or “give way”.
Tip #1: Avoid Sitting With Your Knee Bent Or Cross-Legged
This can also increase the pressure on your knee joints, which can cause pain and swelling. To give your knees relief, limit the amount of time you spend with your knees bent or crossed. Try to have them straight whenever possible.
Pain in the knee joint. Swelling. Catching or locking of the knee joint. Inability to fully extend or bend the knee joint.
Initial symptoms of a torn meniscus include well-localized pain and swelling in the knee. The pain is usually either on the inner or outer side of the knee, not around the kneecap.
Symptoms of a meniscus tear may be different for each person, but some of the most common symptoms are: Pain in the knee joint: usually on the inside (medial), outside (lateral) or back of the knee. Swelling. Catching or locking of the knee joint.
Generally, athletes should see a healthcare provider for pain lasting more than 48 hours and other adults should see an expert if there seems to be no change for three weeks. Generally, most healthcare providers recommend that you schedule an appointment as soon as you notice that your symptoms impact the way you live.
A Grade I sprain will have a few fibers torn, some pain, little to no swelling, and good stability. A Grade II sprain will have pain, a partial tearing of the ligament, more instability, swelling, and joint stiffness.
Knee bursitis is inflammation or irritation of one or more of the bursae in your knee. Knee bursitis is inflammation of a small fluid-filled sac (bursa) situated near your knee joint. Bursae reduce friction and cushion pressure points between your bones and the tendons, muscles and skin near your joints.
Knee strains occur when a tendon or muscle in the knee is damaged, often from overuse or a sudden, dramatic increase of use of the knees. Common causes of knee sprains include: A fall, collision or other hit to the body, such as during a contact sport. Placing sudden, excessive weight on the knee joint.
Swelling or stiffness. Pain, especially when twisting or rotating your knee. Difficulty straightening your knee fully. Feeling as though your knee is locked in place when you try to move it.