What are the symptoms of a pulled muscle around the knee? What causes knee strains and sprains? What are the treatment options for a pulled muscle around the knee?

Knee Strains: Symptoms and Causes

Knee strains are a common injury involving a torn muscle or tendon around the knee. They are often related to sports injuries. According to a 2012 analysis, knee sprains and strains are the most common knee injuries seen in emergency rooms in the United States, accounting for 42.1% of cases.

Knee strains affect the muscles or tendons. They occur when a tendon or muscle stretches or tears. A muscle strain around the knee is often due to overuse, such as stressing the muscles, lifting heavy weights, or a sudden injury. There are three grades of muscle strain based on severity:

• Grade 1: A few muscle fibers are torn or stretched, and the muscle retains full strength.
• Grade 2: More muscle fibers are stretched and torn, making the muscle weaker and more painful.
• Grade 3: The most severe type, involving significant or complete tearing of the muscle or tendon, causing loss of function.

Symptoms of a knee strain commonly include cramping in the muscles around the knee, muscle spasms, swelling, bruising, and difficulty with moving the muscles or walking. The severity of symptoms will vary according to the severity of the strain.

Knee Sprains: Symptoms and Causes

While strains affect the muscles and tendons, sprains affect the ligaments. A sprain is an injury to one or more ligaments from a stretch or tear. Ligaments are tough connective tissues linking bones to other bones. The four major ligaments of the knee joint are the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL), posterior cruciate ligament (PCL), medial collateral ligament (MCL), and lateral collateral ligament (LCL).

Knee sprain symptoms often include difficulty putting weight on the leg, alongside pain with range of motion. Common causes of knee sprains include:

1. Twisting or lifting a heavy object without proper support
2. Recent injury to the knee or muscle
3. Overuse of the muscle

Tendon Tears in the Knee

A tear to the tendons that run through the knee is a common sports injury. Two common tendon tears in the knee include a patellar tendon tear and a quadriceps tendon tear. These can be caused by:

• Landing awkwardly
• Direct force to the front of the knee
• Falling and “jamming” the knee

Treatment Options for Knee Strains and Sprains

For most knee strains and sprains, people can treat them at home by following the RICE method:

1. Rest: May include using assistive walking devices to avoid moving or putting weight on the knee.
2. Ice: Wrap ice with a towel and apply to the knee to help reduce swelling.
3. Compression: This can involve using a wrap or specialized bandage to apply pressure to the knee.
4. Elevation: This can help reduce swelling.

Over-the-counter anti-inflammatory medications may also help reduce pain and swelling. If the injury is severe, a doctor may recommend physical therapy, immobilizing the knee with a brace, or using crutches. In some cases, surgery may be necessary to restore stability and function.

Recovery Times for Knee Strains and Sprains

Recovery time varies greatly depending on the severity of the injury. The UK’s National Health Service notes that people experiencing strains will feel better after 2 weeks, but more severe injuries can take significantly longer. For a tendon tear, mild cases can take 3-6 weeks to recover, while after surgery it can take 6 months to a year for complete recovery.

When to Seek Medical Attention

The American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons recommends seeking immediate medical attention for a knee injury if you experience:

• Severe pain that does not subside
• Significant swelling
• Inability to bear weight on the leg
• Limited range of motion

Otherwise, most minor knee sprains and strains can be treated at home with the RICE method and over-the-counter medications. However, it’s always best to consult a doctor if you are unsure or have any concerns about your injury.

Symptoms, causes, treatment options, and more

Knee strains are a common injury involving a torn muscle or tendon around the knee. Strains are often related to sports injuries.

According to a 2012 analysis, knee sprains and strains are the most common knee injuries seen in emergency rooms in the United States, accounting for 42.1% of cases.

This article explores the symptoms and possible causes of knee strains and sprains, along with available treatment options.

Knee strains affect the muscles or tendons.

The National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases (NIAMS) state that they occur when a tendon or muscle stretches or tears. A tendon is a structure in the body that connects muscles to a bone.

A muscle strain around the knee is often due to overuse. The NIAMS indicate that a person may strain their knee from stressing the muscles, lifting heavy weights, or a sudden injury.

There are three grades of muscle strain based on severity.

They include:

• Grade 1: A few muscle fibers are torn or stretched, and the muscle retains full strength.
• Grade 2: This involves more muscle fibers being stretched and torn. The muscle becomes weaker and is more painful.
• Grade 3: The most severe type of strain involving significant or complete tearing of the muscle or tendon, which causes loss of function.

There are several potential symptoms of a knee strain. According to the NIAMS, they commonly include:

• cramping in the muscles around the knee
• spasms in the muscles
• swelling
• bruising
• difficulty with moving the muscles or walking

The severity of symptoms will vary according to the severity of the strain.

While strains affect the muscles and tendons, sprains affect the ligaments.

The NIAMS define a sprain as an injury to one or more ligaments from a stretch or tear. Ligaments are tough connective tissues linking bones to other bones.

There are four major ligaments of the knee joint. Of these, the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) experiences the most injuries. A person can injure their ACL through contact, such as a football tackle, or without contact, which commonly occurs due to a sudden twisting motion.

Although both cause pain and swelling, knee sprain symptoms also often include difficulty putting weight on the leg, alongside pain with range of motion.

Learn more about sprains vs. strains here.

The most common causes of knee strains include:

• twisting or lifting a heavy object without proper support
• recent injury to the knee or muscle
• overuse of the muscle

A tear to the tendons that run through the knee is a common sports injury.

According to the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons (AAOS), two common tendon tears in the knee include a patellar tendon tear and a quadriceps tendon tear.

Common causes of tears to these tendons include:

• landing awkwardly
• direct force to the front of the knee
• falling
• misstepping and “jamming” the knee

Often, people can treat knee strains at home.

The NIAMS and AAOS recommend following the RICE method following a knee injury, which stands for:

• Rest: May include using assistive walking devices to avoid moving or putting weight on the knee.
• Ice: Wrap ice with a towel and apply to the knee to help reduce swelling.
• Compression: This can involve using a wrap or specialized bandage to apply pressure to the knee.
• Elevation: This can help reduce swelling.

Learn more about the RICE method here.

In addition to RICE, over-the-counter anti-inflammatory medications, such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen, may reduce pain and swelling.

It is always best to consult with a doctor if a person is unsure which medication to use, or if they take regular prescription medications.

Although people may need surgery for some knee injuries, a doctor may recommend several non-surgical treatments before discussing surgical options.

According to the AAOS, some common treatments may include:

• physical therapy
• immobilizing the knee with a brace
• using crutches

If the knee strain or sprain is severe, surgery may be necessary to restore stability and function.

Recovery time varies greatly from person to person, according to the severity of the injury and whether they underwent an operation.

The United Kingdom’s National Health Service (NHS) note that people experiencing strains will feel better after 2 weeks. However, more severe injuries can take significantly longer.

Following a knee strain or sprain, a person should avoid strenuous exercise, such as running and jumping, until symptoms improve significantly. This recommendation is to avoid the risk of further damage.

The AAOS note the following recovery times for a tendon tear:

• for mild cases, it can take 3–6 weeks to recover
• after surgery, it can take 6 months to a year for complete recovery

Although a person can treat most minor knee sprains and strains at home, the AAOS recommend seeking immediate medical attention for a knee injury if people experience any of the following:

• severe pain at the site
• hearing or feeling a popping noise or sensation at the time of injury
• limping
• inability to move the knee
• swelling at the injury site

A person should also seek medical attention if the pain or swelling gets worse, or if new symptoms develop. Always consult with a doctor if there is no improvement in symptoms following home treatment.

To diagnose a knee strain or sprain, a doctor will ask questions about a person’s symptoms, medical history, and if they participate in sport or similar activities.

They will then examine the knee and test for strength and range of motion, alongside other tests.

Healthcare professionals will usually obtain X-rays to check for broken bones. A doctor may also order an MRI to examine the tendons and ligaments of the knee.

Preventing a knee sprain or strain is not always possible, but there are ways to reduce the chances of sustaining injury.

The NIAMS recommend the following:

• eating a healthful diet
• maintaining a moderate weight
• wearing properly-fitted shoes
• avoiding exercising or playing sports when tired or in pain
• running on flat surfaces
• warming up and stretching before exercise
• taking part in regular exercise
• wearing protective equipment when playing sports

A knee strain occurs when a muscle or tendon stretches or tears. The severity of the strain can vary from mild to severe.

Mild cases often do not require medical attention, and a person can treat them at home.

More severe cases may require immobilization, physical therapy, or surgery. Recovery times can vary based on how severe the strain is and can range from several weeks to a year.

Symptoms, causes, treatment options, and more

Knee strains are a common injury involving a torn muscle or tendon around the knee. Strains are often related to sports injuries.

According to a 2012 analysis, knee sprains and strains are the most common knee injuries seen in emergency rooms in the United States, accounting for 42.1% of cases.

This article explores the symptoms and possible causes of knee strains and sprains, along with available treatment options.

Knee strains affect the muscles or tendons.

The National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases (NIAMS) state that they occur when a tendon or muscle stretches or tears. A tendon is a structure in the body that connects muscles to a bone.

A muscle strain around the knee is often due to overuse. The NIAMS indicate that a person may strain their knee from stressing the muscles, lifting heavy weights, or a sudden injury.

There are three grades of muscle strain based on severity.

They include:

• Grade 1: A few muscle fibers are torn or stretched, and the muscle retains full strength.
• Grade 2: This involves more muscle fibers being stretched and torn. The muscle becomes weaker and is more painful.
• Grade 3: The most severe type of strain involving significant or complete tearing of the muscle or tendon, which causes loss of function.

There are several potential symptoms of a knee strain. According to the NIAMS, they commonly include:

• cramping in the muscles around the knee
• spasms in the muscles
• swelling
• bruising
• difficulty with moving the muscles or walking

The severity of symptoms will vary according to the severity of the strain.

While strains affect the muscles and tendons, sprains affect the ligaments.

The NIAMS define a sprain as an injury to one or more ligaments from a stretch or tear. Ligaments are tough connective tissues linking bones to other bones.

There are four major ligaments of the knee joint. Of these, the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) experiences the most injuries. A person can injure their ACL through contact, such as a football tackle, or without contact, which commonly occurs due to a sudden twisting motion.

Although both cause pain and swelling, knee sprain symptoms also often include difficulty putting weight on the leg, alongside pain with range of motion.

Learn more about sprains vs. strains here.

The most common causes of knee strains include:

• twisting or lifting a heavy object without proper support
• recent injury to the knee or muscle
• overuse of the muscle

A tear to the tendons that run through the knee is a common sports injury.

According to the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons (AAOS), two common tendon tears in the knee include a patellar tendon tear and a quadriceps tendon tear.

Common causes of tears to these tendons include:

• landing awkwardly
• direct force to the front of the knee
• falling
• misstepping and “jamming” the knee

Often, people can treat knee strains at home.

The NIAMS and AAOS recommend following the RICE method following a knee injury, which stands for:

• Rest: May include using assistive walking devices to avoid moving or putting weight on the knee.
• Ice: Wrap ice with a towel and apply to the knee to help reduce swelling.
• Compression: This can involve using a wrap or specialized bandage to apply pressure to the knee.
• Elevation: This can help reduce swelling.

Learn more about the RICE method here.

In addition to RICE, over-the-counter anti-inflammatory medications, such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen, may reduce pain and swelling.

It is always best to consult with a doctor if a person is unsure which medication to use, or if they take regular prescription medications.

Although people may need surgery for some knee injuries, a doctor may recommend several non-surgical treatments before discussing surgical options.

According to the AAOS, some common treatments may include:

• physical therapy
• immobilizing the knee with a brace
• using crutches

If the knee strain or sprain is severe, surgery may be necessary to restore stability and function.

Recovery time varies greatly from person to person, according to the severity of the injury and whether they underwent an operation.

The United Kingdom’s National Health Service (NHS) note that people experiencing strains will feel better after 2 weeks. However, more severe injuries can take significantly longer.

Following a knee strain or sprain, a person should avoid strenuous exercise, such as running and jumping, until symptoms improve significantly. This recommendation is to avoid the risk of further damage.

The AAOS note the following recovery times for a tendon tear:

• for mild cases, it can take 3–6 weeks to recover
• after surgery, it can take 6 months to a year for complete recovery

Although a person can treat most minor knee sprains and strains at home, the AAOS recommend seeking immediate medical attention for a knee injury if people experience any of the following:

• severe pain at the site
• hearing or feeling a popping noise or sensation at the time of injury
• limping
• inability to move the knee
• swelling at the injury site

A person should also seek medical attention if the pain or swelling gets worse, or if new symptoms develop. Always consult with a doctor if there is no improvement in symptoms following home treatment.

To diagnose a knee strain or sprain, a doctor will ask questions about a person’s symptoms, medical history, and if they participate in sport or similar activities.

They will then examine the knee and test for strength and range of motion, alongside other tests.

Healthcare professionals will usually obtain X-rays to check for broken bones. A doctor may also order an MRI to examine the tendons and ligaments of the knee.

Preventing a knee sprain or strain is not always possible, but there are ways to reduce the chances of sustaining injury.

The NIAMS recommend the following:

• eating a healthful diet
• maintaining a moderate weight
• wearing properly-fitted shoes
• avoiding exercising or playing sports when tired or in pain
• running on flat surfaces
• warming up and stretching before exercise
• taking part in regular exercise
• wearing protective equipment when playing sports

A knee strain occurs when a muscle or tendon stretches or tears. The severity of the strain can vary from mild to severe.

Mild cases often do not require medical attention, and a person can treat them at home.

More severe cases may require immobilization, physical therapy, or surgery. Recovery times can vary based on how severe the strain is and can range from several weeks to a year.

Knee ligament tear, partial knee ligament rupture

Knee ligament injury is a fairly common occurrence both in everyday life and in a sports career. It is not surprising, because it is easy to get such an injury: it is enough to stumble, unsuccessfully train in the gym, sharply lift something heavy, hit. The main thing in case of problems with the knee joint is to consult an experienced orthopedist and start treating the joint in time.

Knee ligament tear: treatment

In order to choose the most effective treatment method, it is necessary to assess how severely the ligaments of the joint have been damaged. For example, in case of serious damage (during active sports, accidents, etc.), a ligament rupture of the knee joint could occur. In this case, the integrity of the ligament is completely broken, and joint instability occurs. With a less significant injury, partial damage to the ligaments of the knee joint is possible. This is a tear in the knee ligaments, when only individual fibers are torn.

• With micro tears, discomfort is felt in the knee, swelling is possible.
• When the ligament of the knee joint is torn, when more than half of the fibers are affected, there is pain in the joint, difficulty walking, swelling and hematoma.
• Absolute rupture is difficult not to recognize: with a complete detachment of the ligament, the knee is unstable (movements inside the joint are felt, the joint seems to be loosened), it is very difficult to move, the joint swells, hemorrhage is possible.

Complete rupture of the knee ligaments is an indication for surgery (arthroscopic knee surgery). If a partial knee ligament tear is diagnosed, treatment will depend on the extent of the damage. When more than half of the fibers are damaged, surgical treatment is necessary, since the likelihood that the ligament will heal itself is low. If the ligament tears are insignificant, drug therapy (anti-inflammatory drugs and ointments against edema), fixing dressings, limitation of motor activity, physiotherapy exercises will be sufficient.

Is knee ligament tear treated with folk remedies?

If the ligament under the knee hurts, there are a huge number of recipes for compresses, rubbing and ointments on the Internet that can be prepared at home. However, they can not only bring no effect, but also harm. For example, provoke the development of allergies or cause a burn. Therefore, any treatment must be coordinated with a specialist and adhere to his recommendations.

Knee ligament tear: recovery time

The length of the recovery period for a torn ligament depends on how badly the ligament is damaged and what treatment was chosen. On average, rehabilitation time can take from several weeks to six months. In order to maximize the healing of the ligaments during this period, it is important to follow the instructions of the orthopedist-traumatologist, do physical exercise in a dosed manner, and not overload the limb.

How long do knee ligaments heal with a partial tear?

After an injury, it is important to seek the advice of a qualified professional to determine the extent of the damage to the ligaments. Based on the results of examinations (X-ray, MRI of the knee joint), the orthopedist selects a treatment method: surgical or medical. In the case when surgery for a torn ligament was avoided (only a small part of the ligament fibers was damaged), recovery may take 6-8 weeks.

symptoms, causes, treatment, prevention at home

Among the possible injuries, sprains are the most common. Given the anatomical features, a constant load most often damages the knee, ankle or joints of the hands. The clinic of sprains and fractures is similar, but the former are statistically more often recorded, the severity of which is mistakenly underestimated.

What is sprain

There are several ligaments in the knee joint, each of which performs certain actions:

• collateral – medial and lateral;
• cruciform – front and rear;
• patellar ligaments.

Their main function is to hold and unite the joint into a single structure, to provide mobility. Ligaments are involved in walking, squats and other movements. A tear in one or more knee ligaments is called a sprain.

Causes of knee sprains in adults

Common among all the causes that contribute to sprains will be an excessive load on the anatomical structures of the joint. And it can be provided:

Movements. Sudden jumps, jumps, exercises without warm-up, prolonged stay on heels are a predisposing factor for injuries. At risk are not only professional athletes, but also ordinary people.

Bumps and injuries. Often found in sports, for example, when playing football. You can get injured when you hit your knee, especially from the back, front or side. Another possible cause of injury is an incorrectly set step, for example, when the leg literally falls through due to an incorrect assessment of the height. The muscles and ligaments of the joint are not ready and stretching occurs.

Chronic ligament strain. Previous injuries, especially in the absence of proper treatment and rehabilitation, postural imbalance are the reasons that not only lead to sprain, but also predispose to it. Postural imbalance is an imbalance of the body, which has many causes: excess weight, curvature of the spine, malocclusion, absence of chewing teeth, then the body changes balance compensatory and puts a large load on the knee joint.

Incorrectly performed exercises. There are many sports and yoga gurus on the net who broadcast live and develop sets of exercises for everyone. However, they cannot control their implementation and suggest how to perform them correctly. The consequences of such actions can be fatal and lead to sprains and other consequences.

Symptoms of a knee sprain in adults

Pain is the first and most obvious symptom of a knee sprain. Sometimes a characteristic crunch is heard at the time of injury. By the way, this indicates the involvement of the meniscus. Any physical impact, for example, an attempt to walk causes an increase in acute pain. Its severity at rest depends on the severity, as well as the number of structures involved.

Swelling and redness gradually increase, which is explained by the formation of an inflammatory reaction. In case of serious damage, hemorrhage into the joint is possible, and hemarthrosis develops. Patients may feel joint instability – pathological mobility appears, which is accompanied by a crunch or other sounds, or, conversely, stiffness.

Symptoms also depend on the area of ​​damage, that is, the specific ligament:

• Sprained cruciate is characterized by severe pain in front and behind the knee, pathological mobility. A characteristic symptom will be a sensation of subluxation, the joint as if out of place;
• damage to the collateral ligament is characterized by the appearance of pain in the inner or outer surface of the joint. Such damage is less common. Sometimes there is a combined sprain of the lateral and cruciate ligaments, in which case the symptoms are more pronounced.

Treatment of knee sprain in adults

Based on the diagnostic data, a treatment strategy is developed. Usually, the following algorithm is taken as the basis:

• drug therapy with painkillers and anti-inflammatory drugs;
• measures aimed at preventing complications;
• surgical treatment for severe joint injuries, such as tears.

In case of minor injuries of the knee joint that occur without violating the integrity of the ligaments, it is sufficient to take a protective regime and take medications aimed at relieving pain and inflammation – non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, analgesics, multivitamins, etc. Physiotherapy must be prescribed, which must be carried out within month.

Diagnosis

The resulting symptoms may not accurately describe the severity and extent of the injury, especially if the sprain is combined with other injuries. Therefore, in addition to questioning and palpation, additional methods of examination are necessarily prescribed:

• X-ray – the images show violations of the integrity of the joint, it is possible to assess the condition of the ligaments;
• CT, MRI – the examination reveals even the slightest changes and damage;
• Ultrasound – performed to detect signs of inflammation, determine the amount of synovial fluid;
• arthroscopy – allows you to examine the joint and its ligaments from the inside, to assess their integrity.

Modern methods of treatment

They are aimed not only at eliminating the pain syndrome, but also at timely prevention of complications and rehabilitation. In the first few days after stretching, rest is recommended, however, on the 3rd – 5th day, you can start a set of physical therapy exercises aimed at speedy recovery and return of mobility.

Rehabilitation measures are developed only by a doctor, because many nuances must be taken into account – the cause of the injury, the severity, the patient’s condition, etc.

Prevention of knee sprains in adults at home

The main rule of prevention is not to try to repeat complex exercises that are distributed on the Internet. The specialists themselves, perhaps, perform them correctly, but if mistakes occur during repetition, then at best there will be no effect, at worst, injuries occur. Exercises should be carried out only under the guidance of a specialist – a physical therapy doctor, a movement consultant or a fitness trainer.

Of great importance is the prevention of household injuries, in which the knee or any other joint may suffer.

Popular Questions and Answers

Sprained knee is a common and serious problem that requires attention from a doctor. We asked the most popular questions to experts.

How to give first aid for a sprained knee?

– As with any other injury, the first thing to start with is to immobilize the injured area – advises traumatologist Maxim Kolinsky . – No need to try to stand on an injured limb, bend it and squat. It is necessary to give the limb an elevated position and ensure peace.

Immobilization of the limb can be done with the help of improvised means, for example, using rigid cardboard and an elastic bandage – it must be applied from the upper third of the thigh to the ankle joint. It is recommended to apply cold to the joint itself to reduce swelling, a slight analgesic effect.

Then you need to see a doctor.

When should I see a doctor for a knee sprain?

– You should always see a doctor for knee sprains! – says Maxim Kolinsky. – Alarming symptoms will be pronounced and increasing swelling, abnormal mobility, severe and unbearable pain, and a feeling that the knee is out of place.

As practice shows, in this case, serious and long-term treatment may be required, possibly even surgery, because there are no other treatment options for complete ruptures. And the sooner assistance is provided, the better the forecasts.

How long does it take to recover from a knee sprain?

– The complexity and duration of the rehabilitation period depends on the severity of the injury and associated problems. For example, in case of minor injuries, 1-2 weeks are enough for rehabilitation, during this time it is recommended to limit and support the joint with splints or splints, – explains physiotherapy doctor, rehabilitation specialist Irina Yudina.

These orthopedic devices set or limit the range of motion and are actively used in rehabilitation for various injuries and bruises. But if we are talking about more serious injuries, then rehabilitation can last several months.

Rehabilitation after injury involves isometric exercises, that is, load without movement. Such exercises can be performed exclusively under the supervision of a specialist, because the price of a mistake is high.

Physiotherapist will select a set of rotational movements in the ankle joint, isometric tension of the leg muscles.