Knee Sprain: What to Do

Knee Sprain. Do I Have to Stop Playing?

A knee sprain is a common injury that requires careful attention to ensure an effective recovery.

After a sprain, following the post-injury care guidance is essential for a successful recovery. These are:

Adequate Rest:

After a knee sprain, it is important to rest the affected joint. Avoid putting weight on the injured knee and, if necessary, use crutches to aid mobility and reduce the load the knee is normally subjected to.

Ice:

Applying ice to the injured area helps reduce swelling and inflammation. Use an ice pack wrapped in a cloth for periods of 15-20 minutes every few hours. Depending on the severity of the sprain, you may choose to hire cryotherapy systems with compression (grizo.pt), which provide symptomatic relief and speed up physical recovery.

Elevation:

Raising the knee above the level of the heart whenever possible helps reduce swelling and discomfort.

Medication and Knee Appointment:

Book a knee appointment, whether in person or by teleconsultation. Your knee surgeon may prescribe anti-inflammatory or pain-relief medication to ease the pain and swelling, and may also request imaging tests in order to reach a diagnosis quickly.

Physiotherapy:

If you already have a regular physician or therapist, get in touch with them. Rehabilitation with a physiotherapist is often necessary to strengthen the muscles around the knee and restore range of motion. Follow the prescribed exercise plan to ensure a full recovery.

Prevention:

As the knee improves, it is important to protect it from future injuries. Follow the guidance given at the knee appointment about when it is safe to resume your normal activities.

Follow-up:

Be sure to attend the follow-up appointments to assess the progress of your recovery and to adjust the treatment plan as needed.

Every knee sprain is unique, and treatment may vary based on the severity of the injury. To determine the knee injury, imaging tests such as X-ray, CT scan or MRI are required.

Among the most common injuries are a Meniscal Tear and an Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL) injury.

Therefore, it is essential to follow the guidance from the knee appointment to ensure a full and safe recovery. With the right care, many people can return to their normal activities after a knee sprain.

Text Reviewed in January 2026

Nuno Camelo Knee Surgery