injuries and poisoning
Knee Sprains and Related Injuries
Treatment of Knee Sprains and Related Injuries
Sometimes drainage of fluid Protection, rest, ice, compression, and elevation A splint or knee immobilizer and crutches Sometimes surgery If a large amount of fluid has built up in the knee, doctors sometimes drain the fluid to help relieve the pain and muscle spasms. Most mild or moderate injuries can be treated initially with protection, rest, ice, compression, and elevation ( PRICE ), sometimes with an elastic compression bandage around the knee, and occasionally with a splint or a device that supports the knee and keeps it from bending (knee immobilizer). Knee immobilizers are mostly used for fractures or tears of large ligaments and not for simple strains. Range-of-motion exercises are started early. If the sprain is severe, some people need to wear a knee immobilizer for 6 weeks or longer. Some severe injuries of ligaments or menisci require surgical repair by an orthopedic surgeon. Surgical repair is usually done through a small incision and a small flexible tube—a procedure called Surgery Through a Keyhole . Treatment are usually recommended for people with mild or moderate injuries. If injuries are severe, strengthening exercises are postponed until after surgery. 