Knee Sprain Symptoms in Your Child: When to Seek Medical Attention
A knee sprain happens when the ligaments, which are tough bands of tissue that hold the knee joint together, become stretched or torn. This can occur due to sudden twisting movements or excessive force applied to your child’s knee joint.
By being aware of the common symptoms such as pain, swelling, limited range of motion, instability, and bruising, you can take the necessary steps to address your child's knee sprain effectively. POBAR offers effective orthopedic treatments for your child’s sprained knee. Call today!
When children are active and engaged in sports or physical activities, the risk of injury is always present. One common injury that can occur is a knee sprain. If your child experiences a knee sprain, it's important to be aware of the symptoms associated with this condition and know when to seek medical attention.
In this blog post about knee sprain symptoms in children, we will provide you with valuable information to help you recognize the signs of a knee sprain and make informed decisions about your child's health.
What Is A Sprained Knee?
A sprained knee refers to an injury that occurs to the ligaments in the knee joint. Ligaments are strong bands of tissue that connect bones to each other and provide stability to the joint. When a knee is sprained, one or more of these ligaments become stretched, partially torn, or completely torn due to excessive force or twisting of the knee.
The knee joint is made up of four main ligaments: the medial collateral ligament (MCL) on the inner side of the knee, the lateral collateral ligament (LCL) on the outer side, the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) in the center of the knee, and the posterior cruciate ligament (PCL) at the back of the knee. Any of these ligaments can be affected by a knee sprain.
The severity of a sprained knee can range from mild to severe, depending on the extent of ligament damage.
How Do Knee Sprains Occur?
Knee sprains can occur in children as a result of various activities or traumatic events that put excessive stress on the knee joint. Here are some common ways knee sprains can happen in children:
Sports Injuries: Active children who participate in sports are at a higher risk of experiencing knee sprains. Sports that involve sudden stops, changes in direction, jumping, or contacts, such as soccer, basketball, football, and gymnastics, can increase the likelihood of a knee sprain. Direct blows to the knee or awkward landings can cause the ligaments to stretch or tear.
Falls and Accidents: Falling onto the knee or experiencing a direct impact on the knee joint during accidents or recreational activities can lead to knee sprains. This can happen while playing, running, cycling, skateboarding, or during other physical activities.
Twisting or Hyperextension: Sudden twisting or hyperextension of the knee joint can also result in a sprain. This can occur when a child plants their foot firmly and rotates their body, causing the knee ligaments to twist beyond their normal range of motion. Hyperextension, which is when the knee is bent backward, can also strain or tear the ligaments.
Improper Landing or Technique: Poor landing technique during jumping or improper form while performing certain movements can increase the risk of knee sprains in children. For example, landing with a locked knee or valgus (inward) collapse of the knee during jumping or cutting motions can put excessive stress on the ligaments.
Overuse or Repetitive Stress: Engaging in repetitive activities that place continuous stress on the knee joint, such as running, dancing, or certain types of training, can lead to overuse injuries, including knee sprains. The repetitive strain can cause the ligaments to become fatigued and more
susceptible to injury.
It's important to note that each child's risk of experiencing a knee sprain may vary depending on individual factors, such as age, level of physical activity, body mechanics, and underlying musculoskeletal conditions. Proper warm-up exercises, using appropriate protective equipment, maintaining proper form and technique during activities, and implementing rest and recovery periods can help reduce the risk of knee sprains in children.
If your child participates in sports or other physical activities, it's important to encourage proper training, supervision, and safety measures to minimize the occurrence of knee sprains. Additionally, teaching children about the importance of listening to their bodies, warming up before physical activity, and using proper techniques can also help prevent knee injuries.
What Are The Symptoms of a Knee Sprain in Your Child?
When a knee sprain occurs, children may experience several common symptoms that indicate an injury to the ligaments in the knee joint. The severity of sprained knee symptoms can vary depending on the grade of the sprain.
Grade I being a mild stretch of the ligament,
Grade II involves the partial tearing, and
Grade III indicates a complete tear.
The symptoms you should look out for can include:
Pain and Discomfort: Your child may complain of pain in the knee area. The pain can range from mild to severe, depending on the severity of the sprain.
Swelling and Inflammation: Swelling around the knee joint is a typical symptom of a sprain. The affected area may appear swollen, feel warm to the touch, and become visibly larger than the unaffected knee.
Difficulty with Movement: Children with a knee sprain may have difficulty moving their knee joints freely. They may experience stiffness, a limited range of motion, or discomfort when attempting to bend or straighten the knee.
Instability and Weakness: Your child may feel that their knee is unstable or weak, making it difficult to bear weight or participate in activities that require stability, such as running or jumping.
Bruising: Bruising around the knee is another common symptom of a sprain. This discoloration is caused by bleeding under the skin due to the injury.
What Type Of Knee Sprain Does My Child Have?
Identifying the specific type of knee sprain your child has requires a professional evaluation. There are several types of knee sprains, including:
Medial Collateral Ligament (MCL) Sprain: This involves damage to the ligament on the inner side of the knee, often caused by a direct blow to the outside of the knee.
Lateral Collateral Ligament (LCL) Sprain: This occurs when the ligament on the outer side of the knee is injured due to a direct blow to the inside of the knee.
Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL) Sprain: This is a common sports-related injury involving damage to the ligament that connects the thigh bone to the shin bone.
Posterior Cruciate Ligament (PCL) Sprain: This involves injury to the ligament at the back of the knee, typically resulting from a forceful impact to the front of the knee while it's bent.
Consulting a healthcare professional will help determine the specific type of knee sprain your child has and guide the appropriate treatment plan.
Do Knee Sprains Heal on Their Own?
In some cases, mild knee sprains can heal on their own with proper rest, ice, compression, and elevation R.I.C.E. techniques. However, it's crucial to remember that not all knee sprains are the same, and seeking medical attention is highly recommended.
A healthcare professional can assess the sprain's severity, rule out any other underlying injuries, and provide appropriate guidance and treatment options to ensure a safe and efficient recovery.
What Makes a Knee Sprain Worse?
Certain activities and behaviors can exacerbate a knee sprain and delay the healing process. Here are some factors that can make a knee sprain worse:
Continuing to engage in physical activities that place stress on the injured knee.
Ignoring the pain and not providing adequate rest for the affected knee.
Failing to follow the recommended treatment plan, including avoiding prescribed exercises or therapies.
Not using supportive measures like braces, crutches, or compression wraps as advised by healthcare professionals.
When Should You Seek Medical Attention For Your Child?
It’s important to act fast when you notice that your child has sprained their knee as the only way is to get medical attention. You should seek immediate medical attention for your child if they experience any of the following:
Severe pain that does not subside or worsen over time.
Inability to bear weight on the affected leg.
Noticeable deformity or abnormal appearance of the knee.
Numbness, tingling, or loss of sensation in the knee or lower leg.
Persistent swelling that does not improve or worsen over time.
Limited range of motion that does not improve with rest and self-care measures.
Signs of infection, such as increased redness, warmth, or drainage from the knee area.
By recognizing these symptoms and knowing when to seek medical attention, you can ensure that your child receives proper evaluation, diagnosis, and treatment for their knee sprain.
How Long Does It Take For a Sprained Knee to Heal?
A sprained knee can vary in severity, which affects the healing time. Mild sprains may heal within a few weeks, while more severe sprains can take several months.
Factors such as the child's age, overall health, adherence to treatment, and rehabilitation efforts can also influence the healing time. It's essential to consult a healthcare professional to assess the severity and determine the expected healing timeline for your child's specific sprain.
What Should be Avoided With A Sprained Knee?
To promote healing and prevent further damage, it is important for your child to avoid certain activities and behaviors with a sprained knee. These include:
High-impact activities: Discourage your child from participating in activities that place excessive stress on the knee joint, such as running, jumping, or contact sports.
Uneven or unstable surfaces: Advise your child to avoid walking on uneven terrain or unstable surfaces that could increase the risk of a fall or further injury to the sprained knee.
Delayed medical attention: Ensure your child receives timely medical evaluation and follows the recommended treatment plan to facilitate proper healing.
Ignoring pain or discomfort: Encourage your child to listen to their body and not push through pain. Pain is a signal that the knee needs rest and appropriate care.
Removing or neglecting supportive devices: If your child has been prescribed crutches, a brace, or compression wraps, make sure they use them as advised by healthcare professionals. These supportive measures assist in reducing strain and promoting stability during the healing process.
By taking the necessary steps and avoiding activities that could worsen the sprain, you can help your child recover effectively and prevent potential complications. By prioritizing your child's health and well-being, you can ensure a successful healing process and their return to an active and enjoyable lifestyle.
For A Detailed Treatment Plan For Knee Sprains, Speak to Our Experienced Pediatric Orthopedic Doctors in Brandon and Tampa, Florida.
We’re a friendly pediatric team based in Brandon and Tampa, Florida, and we’re pros at dealing with knee sprains. If your child has a sprain and needs to see a medical professional, get in touch with us.
At POBAR, we take your child’s health seriously and offer an incredibly high standard of care and knowledge. Ready to speak to one of our caring doctors?