Different Kinds Of Knee Sprains and How PT Can Help
Knee sprains, also known as ligament injuries, are common in sports that involve contact, such as football, basketball, and soccer. There are several different kinds of knee sprains, and a physical therapist can help you manage your injury and improve your recovery.
Medial collateral ligament (MCL) sprain: The MCL is a ligament that runs along the inner side of the knee and helps to stabilize the joint. An MCL sprain occurs when the ligament is stretched or torn due to a force applied to the outer side of the knee. Symptoms of an MCL sprain include pain, swelling, and instability in the knee. Physical therapy can help to reduce pain and swelling, improve range of motion, and strengthen the muscles around the knee. Your physical therapist may use techniques such as ice, heat, and electrical stimulation to reduce inflammation and improve healing. They may also prescribe stretching and strengthening exercises to help you regain function and prevent re-injury.
Lateral collateral ligament (LCL) sprain: The LCL is a ligament that runs along the outer side of the knee and helps to stabilize the joint. An LCL sprain occurs when the ligament is stretched or torn due to a force applied to the inner side of the knee. Symptoms of an LCL sprain include pain, swelling, and instability in the knee. Physical therapy can help to reduce pain and swelling, improve range of motion, and strengthen the muscles around the knee. Your physical therapist may use techniques such as ice, heat, and electrical stimulation to reduce inflammation and improve healing. They may also prescribe stretching and strengthening exercises to help you regain function and prevent re-injury.
Anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) sprain: The ACL is a ligament that runs diagonally across the middle of the knee and helps to stabilize the joint. An ACL sprain occurs when the ligament is stretched or torn due to a force applied to the front of the knee, such as landing awkwardly after a jump. Symptoms of an ACL sprain include severe pain, swelling, and instability in the knee. Physical therapy can help to reduce pain and swelling, improve range of motion, and strengthen the muscles around the knee. Your physical therapist may use techniques such as ice, heat, and electrical stimulation to reduce inflammation and improve healing. They may also prescribe stretching and strengthening exercises to help you regain function and prevent re-injury.
The PCL is a ligament that runs diagonally across the middle of the knee and helps to stabilize the joint. A PCL sprain occurs when the ligament is stretched or torn due to a force applied to the back of the knee, such as falling onto the back of the knee. Symptoms of a PCL sprain include pain, swelling, and instability in the knee. Physical therapy can help to reduce pain and swelling, improve range of motion, and strengthen the muscles around the knee. Your physical therapist may use techniques such as ice, heat, and electrical stimulation to reduce inflammation and improve healing. They may also prescribe stretching and strengthening exercises to help you regain function and prevent re-injury.
It's important to note that the severity of a knee sprain can vary. Your physical therapist can help you determine the best course of treatment for your specific injury. With the appropriate treatment and management, you can recover from a knee sprain and get back to your favorite activities faster and safer! If you have knee pain or have a knee sprain of some sort then you need to schedule a free initial evaluation and assessment to see what needs to be done in order to get you back stronger than before your injury. Click here to schedule your free evaluation!