Knee injuries are common among professional and amateur athletes, but also might occur during everyday activities or through accidents. Unlike a sprain, which affects the ligaments, a strain involves the tendons or muscles. A strain that affects the muscle also is called a pulled muscle.
Biology
The knee is the largest joint in the body and is made up of bones, cartilage and the muscles, tendons and ligaments that support them. Any injury that tears a muscle or tendon at the knee is called a knee strain.
Symptoms
Someone with a knee strain will likely feel pain in the knee, especially during activity or when stress is put on the leg. The knee might swell or become engorged with fluid and might feel unstable or unable to support any weight. Bruising might be visible around the knee.
Causes
Knee strains are often the result of traumatic injury from accidents or incurred during participation in sporting activities. Prolonged or repetitive movement can cause a chronic strain to develop in the knee, explains the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons .
Treatment
According to Hughston Health Alert, someone who suspects a knee strain should immediately take weight off of the leg and apply ice to the knee to reduce swelling. Ice can be wrapped in a towel or other cloth and be placed on the knee for 10 to 15 minutes at a time every one to two hours. The affected leg should be elevated above the level of the heart and the knee can be wrapped to compress it. If the strain is severe, the knee might have to be immobilized using a cast or brace. If the tear is complete, an orthopedic surgeon might have to perform surgery on the area to repair the knee.
Prevention
People who participate in sports that involve the potential of high impact trauma to the knee should wear protective equipment such as knee pads to help avoid a knee strain or other knee injuries. Doing warm-up and cool-down exercises before and after physical activity can help minimize the chances of injury as well. Bending the knees when jumping or pivoting can prevent an impact that can lead to a knee strain. Stretching exercises and conditioning for a sport also can reduce the risk of developing a knee strain.
Considerations
While many people who incur a knee strain are eager to return to their normal activities as quickly as possible, it is vital to completely recovery before returning to activities that might further injure the knee.
