Knee Sprain in Children

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on May 6, 2024.

A knee sprain occurs when one or more ligaments in your child's knee are suddenly stretched or torn. Ligaments are tissues that hold bones together. Ligaments support the knee and keep the joint and bones in the correct position.

DISCHARGE INSTRUCTIONS:

Call your child's pediatrician if:

Any part of your child's leg feels cold, numb, or looks pale.
Your child has new or increased swelling, bruising, or pain in his or her knee.
Your child's symptoms do not improve within 6 weeks, even with treatment.
You have questions or concerns about your child's condition or care.

Medicines:

Your child may need any of the following:

NSAIDs , such as ibuprofen, help decrease swelling, pain, and fever. This medicine is available with or without a doctor's order. NSAIDs can cause stomach bleeding or kidney problems in certain people. If your child takes blood thinner medicine, always ask if NSAIDs are safe for him or her. Always read the medicine label and follow directions. Do not give these medicines to children younger than 6 months without direction from a healthcare provider.
Acetaminophen decreases pain and fever. It is available without a doctor's order. Ask how much to give your child and how often to give it. Follow directions. Read the labels of all other medicines your child uses to see if they also contain acetaminophen, or ask your child's doctor or pharmacist. Acetaminophen can cause liver damage if not taken correctly.
Prescription pain medicine may be given. Ask your child's healthcare provider how to give this medicine safely. Some prescription pain medicines contain acetaminophen. Do not give your child other medicines that contain acetaminophen without talking to a healthcare provider. Too much acetaminophen may cause liver damage. Prescription pain medicine may cause constipation. Ask your child's healthcare provider how to prevent or treat constipation.
Do not give aspirin to children younger than 18 years. Your child could develop Reye syndrome if he or she has the flu or a fever and takes aspirin. Reye syndrome can cause life-threatening brain and liver damage. Check your child's medicine labels for aspirin or salicylates.
Give your child's medicine as directed. Contact your child's healthcare provider if you think the medicine is not working as expected. Tell the provider if your child is allergic to any medicine. Keep a current list of the medicines, vitamins, and herbs your child takes. Include the amounts, and when, how, and why they are taken. Bring the list or the medicines in their containers to follow-up visits. Carry your child's medicine list with you in case of an emergency.

A support device

such as a splint or brace may be needed. These devices limit movement and protect your child's joint while it heals. Your child may be given crutches to use until he or she can stand on his or her injured leg without pain. Your child should use the device as directed.

Manage your child's knee sprain:

Have your child rest his or her knee and not exercise. Do not let your child walk on the injured leg if he or she is told to keep weight off the knee. Rest helps decrease swelling and allows the injury to heal. Your child can do gentle range of motion exercises as directed to prevent stiffness.
Apply ice on your child's knee for 15 to 20 minutes every hour or as directed. Use an ice pack, or put crushed ice in a plastic bag. Cover the bag with a towel before you apply it. Ice helps prevent tissue damage and decreases swelling and pain.
Apply compression to your child's knee as directed. Your child may need to wear an elastic bandage. This helps keep the knee from moving too much while it heals. The bandage should not be so tight that it causes your child's toes to feel numb or tingly. Take it off and rewrap it 1 time each day.
Elevate your child's knee above the level of his or her heart as often as possible. This will help decrease swelling and pain. Prop your child's leg on pillows or blankets to keep it elevated comfortably. Do not put pillows directly under your child's knee.

Physical therapy

may be needed. A physical therapist teaches your child exercises to help improve movement and strength, and to decrease pain.

Prevent another knee sprain:

Your child should exercise his or her legs to keep the muscles strong. Strong leg muscles help protect your child's knee and prevent strain. The following may also prevent a knee sprain:

Your child should slowly start an exercise or training program. He or she should slowly increase the time, distance, and intensity of the exercise. Sudden increases in training may cause another knee sprain.
Your child should wear protective braces and equipment as directed. Braces may prevent your child's knee from moving the wrong way and causing another sprain. Protective equipment may support your child's bones and ligaments to prevent injury.
Your child should warm up, cool down, and stretch when exercising. Your child should warm up by walking or using an exercise bike before starting regular exercise. He or she should do gentle stretches after warming up. This helps to loosen his or her muscles and decrease stress on the knee. Your child should also cool down and stretch after exercise.
Your child should wear shoes that fit correctly and support his or her feet. Your child's running or exercise shoes should be replaced before the padding or shock absorption is worn out. Ask your child's healthcare provider which exercise shoes are best for him or her. Ask if your child should wear special shoe inserts. Shoe inserts can help support your child's heels and arches or keep his or her foot lined up correctly in his or her shoes. Your child should exercise on flat surfaces.

Follow up with your child's pediatrician as directed:

Write down your questions so you remember to ask them during your visits.

The above information is an educational aid only. It is not intended as medical advice for individual conditions or treatments. Talk to your doctor, nurse or pharmacist before following any medical regimen to see if it is safe and effective for you.

Further information

Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.

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