Sprained Knee
There are four major ligaments in each of your knees, and each is susceptible to injuries such as a sprain or a tear. Common causes of a knee sprain include anything from a direct impact to the knee to the pressure of stopping or changing direction, such as playing basketball or tennis. A less common cause of knee sprain is hyperextension, which could happen during an activity such as cheerleading or gymnastics.
Sprained Knee NYC — SPIN Sports Pain Specialists
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Sprained Knee Symptoms
With a knee sprain, the symptoms can vary in severity and impact your overall health. If the symptoms progress, talk to your doctor as soon as possible to get the right sprained knee treatment plan for you. The symptoms of a knee sprain can include:
Diagnosis and Examination
Though common, knee sprains can be hard to diagnose because of how complex the knee joint is. Some ways that your Manhattan sports medicine doctor uses to examine your knee include a physical examination, imaging, and an evaluation into any past injuries to your knee. Each of these techniques helps determine a treatment for sprained knee that's right for you.
During the physical exam, the doctor evaluates your injured knee ligaments by testing the extent of relaxation and mobility that your knee exhibits during various tasks. Explain clearly what happened to your knee and the symptoms you experienced as precisely as possible. This gives your doctor a more accurate path to sprained knee treatment options.
Your NYC doctor may order x-rays or an MRI to further determine the extent of the damage. The images then can help determine any other structures in the knee that may have been injured. Other conditions may have led to the injury by weakening your knee. They're sometimes revealed during these tests. They may include:
- Patellar tendonitis
- Bursitis
- Knee tendonitis
- Iliotibial band syndrome
- Arthritis
Ready to find relief from a sprained knee?
Dr. Melepura's Midtown Manhattan clinic offers same-day appointments for evaluation and treatment.
Knee Sprain Treatment and Aftercare
After your knee has been evaluated, knee sprain treatment methods then become available. Depending on the severity of the injury, different knee sprain treatment plans are recommended. Some immediate action plans include R.I.C.E.:
Staying off your affected leg for prolonged periods of time helps aid the healing process. This strategy also prevents further risks of injury to your knee.
Staying off your affected leg for prolonged periods of time helps aid the healing process. This strategy also prevents further risks of injury to your knee.
Ice and compression. Keeping your knee wrapped in a bandage that provides compression helps decrease the risk of minor inflammation. Applying ice to your knee can reduce swelling and inflammation that may have emerged over time. Make sure to not wrap your knee so tight so as to cut off circulation. And don't keep the ice on for longer than 15 minutes.
Ice and compression. Keeping your knee wrapped in a bandage that provides compression helps decrease the risk of minor inflammation. Applying ice to your knee can reduce swelling and inflammation that may have emerged over time. Make sure to not wrap your knee so tight so as to cut off circulation. And don't keep the ice on for longer than 15 minutes.
When you're lying down or resting, keep your affected knee elevated with a pillow to prevent further swelling.
When you're lying down or resting, keep your affected knee elevated with a pillow to prevent further swelling.
Taking anti-inflammatory medications also is recommended to reduce the pain and swelling in your knee. This treatment for sprained knee options are recommended for any minor injury.
And in the case of a more serious sprain or tear, your doctor may recommend a medicated injection or surgery for sprained knee treatment. Aftercare for surgery may involve physical therapy as well as continued R.I.C.E. therapy.
Real Stories from our Patients
Dr. Febin Melepura, MD
Double Board-Certified Pain Specialist
Meet Dr. Febin Melepura — Your Knee Sprain Specialist in NYC
Dr. Febin Melepura, MD is a double board-certified interventional pain management specialist and the founder of the Sports Pain Institute of New York. He completed his residency and fellowship training at New York Presbyterian Hospital / Columbia University Medical Center, one of the nation's leading academic medical centers.
He holds dual board certifications from the American Board of Anesthesiology and the American Board of Pain Medicine, and has treated more than 7,500 patients and performed over 5,250 procedures throughout his career. He has been named a Top Pain Management Doctor in New York and one of America's Top Doctors™ by Castle Connolly.
Dr. Melepura's approach to knee sprains is rooted in precision: identify the exact source, treat it with a targeted injection, and get you back to your daily life as quickly as possible.
Ready to Book an Appointment?
Same-day appointments available. Call (212) 621-7746 or book online.
What Our Knee Sprain Patients Say
"Able to make an appointment to see Dr. Melepura on short notice… attentive to my concerns… Jazmin was also very kind and helpful."
"Excellent hospitality, listener and explainer… highly recommend the doctor and the place."
"Dr. Melepura is the best! He worked with me to find the optimal solution to my shoulder pain while I was preparing for a fight!"
"Lovely, bright and modern… doctor and staff were kind… felt my concerns were heard."
"Helpful and friendly staff who gladly follows up with you if and when needed. Dr Melepura was very helpful and professional as well as provided me with excellent information and feedback."
"Dr Febin is fantastic! Highly recommend him and his practice the Spin clinic. The doctor is a good listener, kind, attentive and gave me great advice. "
"Dr.Melepura was very efficient and interpersonal, felt like he was understanding the problems I was having and explained the processes to take to rehabilitate. I would recommend."
"I felt listened to and truly understood by Dr. Melepura. Started PT the very next day. They were very friendly and I didn't feel rushed at all. Already recommended them to my friends who have or continue to play through pain."