Treat a Painful Knee Sprain in Arizona

A knee sprain occurs after a tear or stretch to a knee ligament. Symptoms of knee sprains are temporary, but can cause significant knee pain. 

While you may not be able to prevent the cause of knee strain in Arizona, Dignity Health can help you do something about the pain. Find an orthopedic expert by calling 877.634.0285 or by using our online Find a Doctor tool. 

Dignity Health offers the latest innovative and advanced treatments to help relieve your joint pain and get you back to doing what you love. If you hurt yourself while exercising or playing a sport, our sports medicine program can help you get back on your feet. Our JointAware Risk Assessment can also help you minimize or prevent future injuries to your knee and other joints. 

 

Common Causes of Knee Sprain

Knee sprains can happen to anyone, but are often caused by sports injuries. They happen when the knee is twisted or bent in the wrong direction, such as when: 

  • Suddenly stopping while running
  • Landing badly from a jump
  • Taking a sideways blow to the knee

 

Knee Sprain Symptoms

Knee pain symptoms may begin immediately after the injury or develop shortly after. When you sprain your knee, you may experience:

  • Knee pain while moving or keeping the knee joint still
  • Warmth and redness around the knee
  • Swelling
  • Limited range of motion and difficulty moving your knee 
  • Trouble bearing weight on the affected leg

 

Knee Sprain Treatment & Prevention at Dignity Health

The treatment of knee sprains usually starts with rest, ice, compression, and elevation (RICE). Your doctor may also recommend crutches to keep weight off your knee and an over-the-counter pain reliever. A brace or splint may be necessary to keep the knee from moving while it heals. Orthopedic physical therapy, including rehabilitation exercises, may help strengthen your knee and prevent future injuries.  

Sprained knees are usually caused by an accident. However, you may be able to prevent a sprained knee by:

  • Strengthening your leg muscles with exercise
  • Wearing protective equipment when participating in athletics, especially contact sports
  • Stretching and warming up before being physically active or playing sports
  • Using the proper techniques during physical activities to reduce stress on your knees

Ask your doctor or physical therapist about wearing a knee brace during exercise or sporting activities if you are at risk or prone to injuries. 

Dignity Health provides treatment and pain management options for knee sprains in Arizona.