Acute knee injury advice

What is an acute knee injury? 

An acute knee injury is a recent trauma to the knee, which could involve the bones or soft tissues within the knee.

A sprain is when a ligament has been twisted, stretched or torn.

A strain is when the muscle or soft tissue has been overstretched or has partially torn.

The pain is usually worse in the first 2 weeks, which is inflammatory phase. Usually, these injuries resolve in 4 to 6 weeks, and this can be helped by following these recommendations. 

What do I do right after my injury?

For the first 2 to 3 days it is important to rest from aggravating activities, and to elevate and apply ice to help reduce swelling. 

Apply ice wrapped in a damp towel to the injured area for 15 to 20 minutes every 2 to 3 hours during the day. Do not leave the ice on while you are asleep and do not allow the ice to touch your skin directly because it could cause a cold burn. 

Keep the injured area raised and supported up on a pillow when resting to help to reduce swelling. 

You may be given crutches to help with your walking and it is important to try to walk with a normal walking pattern. 

It is very important to strengthen your bottom muscles as these muscles also help to provide stability to the leg. Whilst standing, sitting or lying, practice squeezing your buttocks tightly. Hold for 5 seconds, repeat 10 times, 3 times a day. 

Pain medication

Paracetamol is usually recommended for painful injuries.

Ibuprofen can also help reduce swelling and inflammation. However, it should not be used in the first 48 hours after the injury because it may delay healing.

Always follow the correct dose instructions for the age of your child.

How do I move my injured knee?

The injury will heal quicker if you begin to gently move your knee as soon as you are able to do so. Below are some simple exercises that can be completed 2 to 3 times daily as you feel comfortable, without experiencing significant pain. Bend and straighten your injured knee fully, as pain allows, until the range of movement is the same as the other knee. 

In lying or sitting, squeeze your thigh muscle, pushing your knee down into the bed and try to get your heel to lift. Your kneecap should lift slightly, and your thigh muscle should tense. Hold for 5 seconds, repeat 10 times. Lying on your back, bend one knee up. Keep the injured knee straight and turn toes out to the side. Squeeze your thigh muscle and lift your leg up about 45 degrees. Hold for 5 seconds then slowly lower, repeat 10 times. 

Long term outcome

Most knee injuries will recover fully within 6 to 8 weeks.

More severe injuries may take longer to heal and some people may experience persistent problems lasting several months.

Your doctor may be able to give an indication of expected healing and recovery times, depending on your initial injury.

What should I do if I am still having trouble?

You should see your own doctor or return to the emergency department if: 

• You cannot put weight on your knee at all 
• You have severe pain even when you are not putting weight on it, such as at night 
• Your knee locks or painfully clunks (painless clicking is OK) 
• Your knee keeps giving way 
• You have fever, redness or heat around the knee, or it is very swollen 
• You have pain, swelling, numbness or tingling of the calf beneath your affected knee 
• The pain does not start to improve, or you have pain that is still severe after a few days of caring for your knee at home