Knee sprains are injuries to the knee ligaments, and can range from a slight sprawling of the ligaments to their complete rupture.

In mild sprains, a sprawl of the ligament occurs, causing swelling and pain in the knee, in moderate sprains the ligament breaks partially and in severe sprains a complete ligament rupture occurs and may require surgery.

Of all the ligaments of the knee, the most commonly injured are:

➢ the medial collateral ligament, from a blow on the external side of the knee, especially when the foot is firmly fixed on the ground when hit. The blow will cause the knee to move towards the inside of the body causing the ligament to stretch.
Sensitivity and pain will be felt inside the knee.

➢ The anterior cruciate ligament, following a trauma, usually on the sports field, when the knee is either twisted, is subjected to a direct impact or is injured after a jump or uncomfortable landing.

➢ posterior and lateral cruciate ligaments are less subject to sprawls

The knee is one of the largest and most complex joints of the body, having a complex functionality. The knee joint must be mobile and supple to allow flexion and extension of the lower limb and also stable to support the entire weight of the body.

Walking, running and accelerating suddenly, jumping, twisting on the heel, braking, stopping, more or less sudden are roles of the knee, which generate numerous pressures, managed by the bone, ligament, meniscal and muscular structures of the knee.

The bone components that form the knee joint are:

➢ the distal extremity of the femur, represented by the two femoral condyles,
➢ the kneecap or the patella, which anteriorly unites the femoral condyles
➢ the proximal extremity of the tibia.

On the edge of the bone surfaces there is articular cartilage, a firm, smooth layer of tissue, which lines all the joints of the body.

Two cartilage discs in the shape of the letter C, form the meniscuses, laterally and medially, which allow the knee to move, having a role in the absorption of shocks.

Tendons keep the muscles and bones of the knee connected to allow the knee joint to move.

Ligaments join all the bones of the knee giving stability to the knee. The anterior cruciate ligament is the one that prevents the femur from sliding backwards along the tibia, the posterior cruciate ligament prevents the femur from sliding forward along the tibia and the collateral ligaments, laterally and medially, prevent the femur from sliding from side to side.

1. Wearing an orthosis will protect the knee from the risks caused by the instability of the joint (the affected ligaments do not support the joint well)

2. Rest of the knee joint is important in the first 48 hours after the injury to reduce inflammation and prevent aggravation of the injury

3. Locally applied ice, in sessions of 5-10 minutes, 3-5 times a day, helps reduce inflammation and tumefaction (swelling) of the knee

4. The compressive bandage around the knee joint, also helps reduce inflammation and protects the joint.

5. Elevating (raising) the foot above the level of the heart, using a support or a pillow, helps to reduce the tumefaction (swelling) in the knees.

6. Physical therapy
In the case of a mild sprain, in which the medial collateral ligament is injured, the recovery program will include exercises to extend the affected knee and exercises on an ergonomic bike (fixed, indoors). This will be continued with rides on normal bikes, with the saddle as high as possible to avoid resistance. The important thing is the continuous movement in the knee joint.

7. Surgical intervention, reconstruction of the injured ligament, is indicated in the case of medium to severe sprain, especially in the case of athletes, if the symptoms are present during physical activity.

➢ Give enough healing time to the affected knee. In addition to the treatment measures listed above, rest significantly helps the recovery process.

➢ When participating in sports activities, wear appropriate equipment

➢ Follow the advice of a physical therapist even after healing the knee to prevent relapses and/or other injuries.