Medicine
Fact-checked

At TheHealthBoard, we're committed to delivering accurate, trustworthy information. Our expert-authored content is rigorously fact-checked and sourced from credible authorities. Discover how we uphold the highest standards in providing you with reliable knowledge.

Learn more...

How do I Treat a Strained Knee?

Dan Cavallari
Dan Cavallari

A strained knee occurs when a muscle or tendon is injured due to over-stretching, or by absorbing an impact it is not prepared to handle. The tiny fibers that make up the muscle or tendon begin to tear, causing pain and sometimes inflammation. A strained knee is different than a sprained knee, which occurs when ligaments within the joint are damaged. Treating a strained knee involves using the RICE treatment: rest, ice, compression, and elevation. In more serious cases, the muscle or tendon may tear completely; this is known as a rupture and surgery is likely to be needed for the repair.

The RICE treatment will help swelling and bleeding to a minimum; these can both cause pain, so using the RICE treatment both promotes healing and relieves pain. Minor knee injuries generally do not swell as much as more serious injuries, but any swelling can cause pain or discomfort and prolong recovery time. The most important step in treating a strained knee is rest; allowing the muscle fibers to heal on their own will promote the most healing, and it is important to stay off the knee until little or no pain is felt.

A person wearing a knee brace.
A person wearing a knee brace.

Once the swelling is down and the pain is gone or mostly gone, rehabilitation will be necessary to restore the knee to its former strength. This phase of treatment will include physical therapy and regular stretching. The muscles must be strengthened again, and mobility will need to be restored, so it is important to build strength and mobility in the knee. A doctor may recommend you see a professional physical therapist who can guide you safely through the process. If pain recurs or worsens, physical therapy should be stopped. Starting physical therapy too early can re-injure the muscles and cause even more pain.

A person with a strained knee.
A person with a strained knee.

After the knee injury has had sufficient time to heal, a doctor or professional may recommend that you wear a knee brace. This provides compression to the injured area to keep swelling down, and it adds support to the knee joint during the physical therapy process. Knee braces are more useful in treating a sprained knee, in which the ligaments have been damaged, but they can also provide support and comfort for muscle and tendon injuries as well. If swelling or inflammation occurs at any point during the recovery period, a doctor may prescribe anti-inflammatory medications or painkillers as well.

Discussion Comments

stoneMason

Knee exercises help a lot with knee problems. I learned some knee exercises from my physiotherapist that I always do when I have a strained knee. Especially flexing seems to strengthen the ligaments so that the knee doesn't strain so easily in the future.

ddljohn

@SarahGen-- RICE helps but if you have a swollen knee, elevation and ice are not going to help much unless it's done immediately after the symptoms appear. Applying ice two days after the swelling is not going to be very effective.

However, you should keep resting and elevating your leg and apply some compression. You can use something like ibuprofen to treat the inflammation and pain.

If the pain and swelling doesn't go away, you might have torn something in your knee. You need to go back to the doctor in that case. An MRI or x-ray may be required.

SarahGen

I must have done something during my last basketball game because my knee has been sore and inflamed for the past two days. I saw the doctor yesterday who said I have a strained knee and suggested the RICE treatment.

I have been doing everything, but my knee doesn't feel any better. How long does it take for a strained knee to heal? What else can I do in addition to RICE?

Post your comments
Login:
Forgot password?
Register:
    • A person wearing a knee brace.
      A person wearing a knee brace.
    • A person with a strained knee.
      By: soupstock
      A person with a strained knee.
    • An ice pack, which can be used to treat a strained knee.
      By: Marc Dietrich
      An ice pack, which can be used to treat a strained knee.
    • A diagram of the knee.
      By: Alila
      A diagram of the knee.
    • Physical therapy is the first stage of treatment for a strained knee once the swelling has gone down.
      By: lunamarina
      Physical therapy is the first stage of treatment for a strained knee once the swelling has gone down.