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Knee sprain
PAIN, SWELLING OR TENDERNESS AROUND THE KNEE JOINT
Problem can occur during everyday activity or as a sports injury
What is a knee sprain?
If you have pain, swelling or tenderness around or inside your knee, you may have a knee sprain. Sprains can happen if you've damaged or injured the muscles or one of the four ligaments that support the knee. Ligament sprains are graded (from one to three), depending on how bad your injury is. Common causes include tired muscles and playing sport.
Types of knee sprain
Medial ligament sprain
Medial ligament sprains are often a result of an impact on the outside of the knee. They tend to cause pain on the inside of the knee.
Lateral ligament sprain
Lateral ligament sprains are often a result of an impact on the inside of the knee. They tend to cause pain on the outside of the knee.
An anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) sprain
The ACL criss-crosses with the posterior cruciate ligament over the middle of the knee. A sprain can occur due to twisting or impact.
A posterior cruciate ligament (PCL) sprain
The PCL criss-crosses with the anterior cruciate ligament over the middle of the knee. A sprain can occur if the knee is forced back the wrong way.
Need to know
There are different types of knee sprain, each with their own set of symptoms. Generally speaking, the common symptoms are:
- pain, tenderness or weakness inside or around the knee
- difficulty putting weight on it
- cramping or muscle spasms
Your consultant will discuss your symptoms with you and help to make a diagnosis.
Ligament sprains are graded from one to three to reflect the extent of your injury. Your prescribed treatment may depend on the grade of your sprain. For example, you may be asked to perform mobility exercises for grade two sprains, while grade three sprains may require surgery. Your consultant will explain which treatment is best for you.
Our locations
Institute of Sport Exercise and Health (ISEH)
170 Tottenham Court Road W1T 7HA London
The Harley Street Clinic
35 Weymouth Street W1G 8BJ London
The Portland Hospital
205-209 Great Portland Street W1W 5AH London
Patient stories
Yvette's story: From back pain to hip replacement surgery
Yvette (54) a journalist from Kent, started experiencing pain in her hip seven years ago in 2015. An ex-national gymnast who had been incredibly active and flexible her whole life, Yvette felt concerned about the growing discomfort impacting her quality of life, and so sought help from her GP.
A new hip and straight back into the spin of things
Michael's MAKO hip surgery to treat his arthritis
73 year-old Michael, an avid walker and charity worker, was diagnosed with arthritis in January 2021. After facing long waiting times and increasing pain that was becoming more frequent, he started to look elsewhere for treatment.
This content is intended for general information only and does not replace the need for personal advice from a qualified health professional.