i sprained my knee playing soccer, what is my best course of action

by Rahsaan Durgan 3 min read

Most common treatment for soccer knee injury is the R.I.C.E method (Rest, Ice, Compress and Elevate). When the knee injury is more severe, it is best to take the proper time to heal, than to push yourself and play through the pain.

Full Answer

What is the best treatment for soccer knee injury?

Most common treatment for soccer knee injury is the R.I.C.E method (Rest, Ice, Compress and Elevate). When the knee injury is more severe, it is best to take the proper time to heal, than to push yourself and play through the pain.

Can you play soccer with knee pain?

Knee pain can hamper playing soccer. If you're totally immersed in the world of soccer, you're probably aware that soccer knee injuries are an occupational hazard of this fast-paced sport. If you're unlucky enough to experience one, a quick diagnosis and targeted treatment plan can help put you on the road to recovery.

How to treat a knee sprain?

Many times when you suffer a knee sprain. Your knee is holding onto a tension pattern that is protecting it from getting injured further. This works for the injury, but not for the recovery. So, it is important to take the pressure off of these nerves in your knee by moving your leg to a position of comfort.

When should soccer players stop playing with a knee injury?

Knee injury can keep a soccer player on the sidelines for months, especially if the injury is not fully rehabilitated before returning to playing. Even the slightest knee injury should be taken seriously. When there is even a chance that the knee may be injured, players should immediately STOP playing.

What is the best thing to do for a sprained knee?

How can I manage a knee sprain?Rest your knee and do not exercise. ... Apply ice on your knee for 15 to 20 minutes every hour or as directed. ... Apply compression to your knee as directed. ... Elevate your knee above the level of your heart as often as you can.

What activities can you do with a sprained knee?

Once knee pain has been minimized, you may swim, cycle, walk, stair climb, weight train, or jog, as pain allows. These activities will help you to gradually return to full training. Also remember to continue these stretching, strengthening, and range-of-motion exercises in order to reduce the risk of injury recurrence.

How do you treat a knee injury from soccer?

Using ice and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications also can be helpful. Soccer players may need to temporarily modify physical activities until the pain decreases. In more extreme situations, a specific surgical procedure may be needed to help relieve the pain.

How long does it take for a sprained knee to get better?

Typically, mild knee sprains may recover after 2 weeks. If the sprain is severe, it can take months. During recovery, a therapist may prescribe exercises to strengthen the muscles. These exercises may progress for 6–10 months after the injury occurs.

Can you play on a sprained knee?

While most knee sprains will heal without surgery, avoid the temptation to go back to your normal activities or playing sports without letting your knee heal completely.

Is it OK to run on a sprained knee?

Can I still run with a painful knee? Do not run if you have pain in your knee. If you still feel pain after a week's rest, see a GP or physiotherapist. How soon you can start running again will depend on the cause of your knee pain and how severe it is.

How do you strengthen your knees for soccer?

0:074:00Maximize Leg Strength For Knees Injuries In Soccer Players - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipWe want to squeeze our glute. And we want to pull back the leg with our glue. We'll do this on eachMoreWe want to squeeze our glute. And we want to pull back the leg with our glue. We'll do this on each side as you can see she lost balance it's a little bit of a core strength there.

Why are knee sprains common in soccer?

Knee injuries are common in professional soccer due to the intensity of the game, and many players have had to end their careers early because of the aforementioned injuries. At a professional level, players are expected to go all out for long durations of time.

Why does my knee hurt when I play soccer?

First, let's take a moment to review the reasons why patellar tendinitis may occur in soccer: Basic overuse (repeated stress on the tendon from running, kicking, jumping, etc.) Direct impact to the front of the knee from a tackle. Direct impact to the knee from striking a ball.

How to treat a dislocated kneecap?

The usual treatment for a kneecap dislocation is physical therapy if it is the first time. Those patients who do require surgery include those who have knocked off a piece of bone and cartilage, have a fracture, or may have such poor bony anatomy to stabilize the kneecap that one would have a very high risk for having the kneecap dislocate again if it was not treated surgically. We do know in most of these circumstances that a reconstruction of the torn ligament, usually the medial patellofemoral ligament, is preferred over repair because reconstructions have a high success rate while repairs have about a 50% to 60% success rate.

Why is it important to put your knee back in place?

Early placement of the kneecap back into position is important to ensure that one does not have any cartilage damage.

How long does it take for a MCL tear to heal?

A grade 1 tear means that there is some injury to the structure, but the knee really is not unstable and most athletes can get back to full function within 1 to 2 weeks after a grade 1 MCL tear with a proper rehabilitation program. A grade 2 MCL tear is one where there is some ...

What does it mean when your knee swells up with blood?

Over the course of the next few hours, if the knee swells up with blood, this is a very ominous sign because it indicates that the ACL has a high likelihood of being torn.

How to tell if you have a torn ACL?

Commonly one will feel a pop, which is the bone bruise that happens with the tibia slips forward and contacts the front part of the femur on the outside of the knee. Most athletes who tear their ACL feel that their knee “slips” when they first walk on it or it feels “wobbly.” In this circumstance, the pain for the injury really has not set in yet, so one can test their knee function and see if it feels unstable or not. Over the course of the next few hours, if the knee swells up with blood, this is a very ominous sign because it indicates that the ACL has a high likelihood of being torn. In sporting injuries in adolescents and young adults, the most common cause for bleeding inside the knee joint, about 75% of the time, is an ACL tear.

What causes a bleed in the knee?

In sporting injuries in adolescents and young adults, the most common cause for bleeding inside the knee joint, about 75% of the time, is an ACL tear.

What is the success rate of reconstruction of a torn ligament?

We do know in most of these circumstances that a reconstruction of the torn ligament, usually the medial patellofemoral ligament, is preferred over repair because reconstructions have a high success rate while repairs have about a 50% to 60% success rate.

What is the best treatment for a soccer knee injury?

Most common treatment for soccer knee injury is the R.I.C.E method (Rest, Ice, Compress and Elevate).

Which sport has a fear of knee injuries?

Soccer, being exactly the type of sport where running at different speeds with constant change of direction is present throughout the game, is one of the sports where players have a fear of knee injuries.

What are the ACL and PCL in soccer?

Knee Injuries in Soccer, ACL and PCL Knee Ligaments. ACL (Anterior Cruciate Ligament) and PCL (Posterior Cruciate Ligament) are two knee ligaments located inside the knee, preventing the knee from sliding back and forth. ACL and PCL are two thick ligament bands that form an X on the inside of the knee.

How many ligaments are there in the knee?

Knee stability is maintained by 4 ligaments. These ligaments are thick bands of tissue that stabilize the knee joint by keeping it in place and helping with the bending of the leg at the knee. In the picture above you can see the four ligaments (MCL, LCL, ACL, PCL), and Meniscus. MCL - Medial Collateral Ligament.

How many ligament injuries are similar to knee ligament injury?

Knee ligament injury symptoms are very similar for all of the 4 ligament injuries.

How long does it take to heal a torn ligament in the knee?

With required surgery due to the severity of the knee injury, athlete will spend 6 - 12 months sidelined and rehabilitating the knee towards the long awaited return to sports and running.

How long can a knee injury keep you on the sidelines?

Knee injury can keep a soccer player on the sidelines for months, especially if the injury is not fully rehabilitated before returning to playing. Even the slightest knee injury should be taken seriously. When there is even a chance that the knee may be injured, players should immediately STOP playing.

How to treat knee pain from soccer?

General knee pain from chondromalacia that many players experience in soccer can be treated with over-the-counter pain medication, icing, bracing or taping for support, and lower-impact activities that don't involve rapid direction changes. If you experience sudden, sharp or persistent knee pain while playing, make an appointment with your physician or an athletic trainer.

Why does my knee hurt after playing soccer?

Your Knee Hurts After Playing Soccer. Every time you walk, run or stand, you're putting stress on your knee joints, and soccer players put more stress on their knees than non-athletes. The supporting elements of the knee joint are composed almost exclusively of soft tissues, such as tendons, ligaments, cartilage and small muscles ...

What muscles help with knee pain?

Your quadriceps, hamstrings and outer hip muscles lend stability to your knee joint. When you jump for a header or step with a high impact after changing directions or kicking the ball, these muscles keep your knee from caving inward. Try leg presses, lunges, squats, leg extensions and hamstring curls to build up strength in your upper leg muscles and help prevent future knee pain and injury.

What is a sprained knee?

A sprained knee is an injury that results from the overstretching, tearing or damaging of these ligaments. In most cases, a sprain can be treated with rest and by wearing a knee support. A knee support applies compression to the knee, ...

What is the strain on the knees in football?

The nature of football puts great strain on a player’s knees. Whether in training or in the heat of match action, the pressure of constant shifts in weight, twists and turns can take a heavy toll on the knees.

What is the ligament that stops the shin bone from sliding out in front of the thigh bone?

The anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) stops the shin bone from sliding out in front of the thigh bone. Injury can occur when a player gets hit hard on the side of the knee - as a result of a sliding tackle. Tearing of the ACL can also occur by overextending, or by sudden stops and changes in direction.

What is a tear in the knee called?

Torn cartilage. Torn cartilage – sometimes referred to as meniscus tears – are very common amongst footballers. The sharp twists and turns that are part and parcel of playing football can lead to unequal distributions of weight, which can lead to severe tears. A tear of the knee cartilage is often ignored by amateur footballers as just ‘one ...

Why does my knee feel like it's grinding?

There are many potential causes of runner’s knee, including displacement of the kneecap, weakened thigh muscles, a general knee injury or flat feet. Sufferers will often find relief by wearing a knee support, applying pressure, using ice packs and resting.

How long does it take for an ACL to swell?

Among the most common signs of an ACL injury are swelling within six hours, severe pain (which can get worse when weight is applied) and a ‘pop’ sound when the injury occurred.

How do you know if you have a knee injury?

Symptoms range from slight aches to excruciating pain. Some players will experience swelling, knee-locking, stiffness, shooting pains and an inability to straighten their knee. Depending on the type of tear, its location and its severity, surgery and a period of physiotherapy might be required. However, in less severe cases, rest and elevating ...

How to get over a knee sprain?

Eating a proper diet, drinking the proper amount of water, incorporating the proper stretching, the right exercise, proper breathing, and sleep are all crucial to you getting over your knee sprain in the shortest time possible. The more you setup the correct conditions the faster you will be able to get back on the basketball court….

How to heal a sprained knee?

Relieve the tension and take your knee to a position of comfort and the body knows what to do from there. You also must create the conditions to make your knee sprain heal as well. Think of the “shortest distance between two points is a straight line.”

What does it mean when your knee hurts?

Pain just means the nerves in your knee are being irritated somehow sending a signal to your brain that you have pain. I know this seems pretty basic however very important none the less. Many times when you suffer a knee sprain. Your knee is holding onto a tension pattern that is protecting it from getting injured further. This works for the injury, but not for the recovery.

Why is it important to take a knee sprain back?

Dealing with a knee sprain can be challenging especially when you want to get back to playing basketball right away! It is important to take it slowly coming back because you don’t want to re-injure your knee and make it worse.

What does it mean when your knee is locked out?

So as you are walking you will want to watch for your knee “locking” or “giving out.” This is a sure sign that you are having problems with the attachments in the joint. It is definitely best to go see an orthopaedic doctor to check the knee out further to be safe.

How to take pressure off of knee?

So, it is important to take the pressure off of these nerves in your knee by moving your leg to a position of comfort. Of course, comfort is relative and going to be very different depending on the person and will continue to change depending on many factors such as diet, stress level, exercise, sleep, etc. The key is to find the position of comfort for your knee at this exact moment in time.

Who is the best at eliminating knee pain without drugs?

Bill Parravano (The Knee Pain Guru) Bill Parravano is “The Knee Pain Guru” and has been called, “the best in the world at eliminating knee pain without drugs, shots or surgery.”. He brings over 26 years of martial art and bodywork experience understanding movement and tensions patterns that lead to physical pain.

How to diagnose a knee sprain?

To diagnose a knee strain or sprain, a doctor will ask questions about a person’s symptoms, medical history, and if they participate in sport or similar activities. They will then examine the knee and test for strength and range of motion, alongside other tests.

What is a knee strain?

Knee strains are a common injury involving a torn muscle or tendon around the knee. Strains are often related to sports injuries. , knee sprains and strains are the most common knee injuries seen in emergency rooms in the United States, accounting for 42.1% of cases. This article explores the symptoms and possible causes ...

What does NIAMS mean in knee?

The NIAMS indicate that a person may strain their knee from stressing the muscles, lifting heavy weights, or a sudden injury. There are three grades of muscle strain based on severity. Grade 1: A few muscle fibers are torn or stretched, and the muscle retains full strength.

How long does it take to recover from a knee sprain?

This recommendation is to avoid the risk of further damage. The AAOS note the following recovery times for a tendon tear: for mild cases, it can take 3–6 weeks to recover.

What causes a knee to tear?

The most common causes of knee strains include: A tear to the tendons that run through the knee is a common sports injury. According to the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons (AAOS), two common tendon tears in the knee include a patellar tendon tear and a quadriceps tendon tear.

What are the two common tendon tears in the knee?

According to the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons (AAOS), two common tendon tears in the knee include a patellar tendon tear and a quadriceps tendon tear.

How to tell if you have a knee strain?

According to the NIAMS, they commonly include: cramping in the muscles around the knee. spasms in the muscles. swelling. bruising. difficulty with moving the muscles or walking. The severity of symptoms will vary according to the severity of the strain.

What are the most common injuries in soccer?

Concussions in soccer. Unfortunately this is one of the most common soccer injuries. This section can include the eye, nose, & dental but the actual Concussions are the most serious. The way you prevent this is knowing how to head the ball & knowing your surroundings and when to go in for a challenge. Most concussions are not from heading the ball ...

How to strengthen knees?

Strengthen the knee by doing light body weight knee bends. Standing up, balance on your injured leg first. Slightly bend your knee and contract your quad. Do this slow and controlled 10 times with both legs, 3 sets . Two reasons to do both legs is one it gives time for recovery/rest and second it’s good to keep both legs conditioned.

What happens when you pull your quads?

A pulled quad happens usually from shooting or kicking long. This requires lots of strength from the quad as well as the abdominals. Great example of why soccer trainers are the good choice for strength & conditioning. Most former players understand how each part of the body supports the other for all movements! So if the abdominals are weak then the quads have to do most of the work. Eventually an isolated muscle will get tired and break down, resulting in a pull.

How to heal ankle sprain?

The best way to treat an ankle sprain is ICE, compression and elevation! Then rehab it for faster recovery . If you don’t start to strengthen it the injury could last for months.

How to get rid of quads?

Stretching out the quad and doing some simple balancing exercises can help right away. Resting as much as you can and rehab are two key things you need to try and do. Also make sure you get a good light warm-up.

What muscle is on the back of the leg?

There are 3 Hamstring Muscles: 1) Semitendinosus 2) Semimembranosus 3) Biceps femoris.

What is the pain on the inside of my shin?

Ask yourself: is pain located on the shins? If so, you could have shin splints. Shin splints are micro-tears that make it hard to flex the toes up. So this makes it uncomfortable to walk, run and juggle a ball. Trapping the ball with the inside of the foot is also pain, because you have to lift your toes up. The best thing you can do is Rest! If you can take a few days off it should recover. If not and it sticks around a few weeks you need to go to the Doctor. It’s probably something worse and you could be out a month or more.