Knee Sprain

The knee joint is made up of the femur (thigh bone), tibia and fibula (shin bones), and the patella (kneecap). These bones are connected by ligaments, including the medial and lateral collateral ligaments and the anterior and posterior cruciate ligaments. The function of these ligaments is to limit excessive movement of the bones. There are also inner and outer menisci in the knee, which serve to maintain knee stability.

A knee sprain is the stretching of a ligament, and it is possible to completely tear a ligament, often the anterior cruciate ligament. Depending on the mechanism of injury, which often involves a twisting motion with a bent knee and a fixed foot on the ground, different structures can be affected, sometimes even multiple ones at once. At this point, you may experience sharp pain and sometimes even hear a “click” or “pop.” Your physiotherapist will perform specific tests to identify the source of your pain and may refer you to a doctor if further investigations are needed.

The meniscus, on the other hand, is often damaged as a result of a twisting motion with a fixed foot on the ground. Other factors, such as knee wear (osteoarthritis) or tissue degeneration with age, can also cause meniscal injuries. Unfortunately, meniscal tissue has little potential for spontaneous healing, so surgical intervention is often necessary. Your physiotherapist can guide you in making this decision.

It can be beneficial to see a physiotherapist as soon as possible after the trauma or the onset of knee pain. Physiotherapy treatment can help reduce pain, control inflammation, and prevent muscle atrophy through progressive exercises. If your condition requires surgery, both preoperative and postoperative rehabilitation is crucial to optimize your function and promote a safe return to sports.

Feel free to contact the team for more information.

The Physiotherapy Boisbriand Team