Types of Knee Sprains
Knee ligament sprains are categorized by severity:
Grade 1 (Mild)
Less than 10% of the ligament fibers are overstretched or torn
No joint instability
Mild pain and swelling, usually without bruising
Trigger points may develop in nearby thigh muscles
Grade 2 (Moderate)
11–50% of the ligament fibers are torn
Moderate instability of the joint
Noticeable pain, swelling, and stiffness
Grade 3 (Severe)
A complete or nearly complete tear (51–100%)
Major instability in the joint
Intense pain and swelling
Often requires surgery and long-term rest or immobilization
In rare cases, a complete tear may not cause pain during specific stress tests—but it’s still a serious injury.
Common Causes of Sprains
Most ligament sprains happen when an outside force suddenly impacts the knee. The type and extent of damage depend on several factors, including:
The strength and direction of the force
Your knee’s position during impact
Example: A blow to the outside of the knee
Mild force may sprain the MCL
Moderate force could injure the MCL, ACL, and meniscus
Severe force might damage the MCL, ACL, PCL, and meniscus
How Chiropractic Care Can Help
Chiropractic care offers a non-invasive, personalized approach to treating knee ligament sprains—especially Grades 1 and 2. Our goal is to reduce pain, restore movement, and support healing.
Treatment may include:
RICE therapy (Rest, Ice, Compression, Elevation) to reduce swelling and discomfort
Advanced modalities such as ultrasound, laser therapy, or interferential current to promote healing
Hands-on soft tissue techniques like deep tissue massage or trigger point therapy
Rehab exercises to strengthen muscles and improve joint stability
If you’ve had surgery for a Grade 3 sprain, chiropractic care can still help during recovery. We can assist by:
Reducing scar tissue buildup
Restoring your knee’s range of motion
Strengthening surrounding muscles
Improving long-term joint function
Recovery Time: What to Expect
Healing depends on how severe the injury is, how quickly you begin treatment, and how closely you follow your care plan.
Grade 1: Light activity may be possible within a week
Grade 2: Expect 3 to 6 weeks before returning to normal daily tasks
Full recovery: May take up to 6 months for more serious sprains
Sticking to your rehab plan and addressing any muscle imbalances or movement issues can speed up the healing process and prevent future injuries.
⚠️ Important: Ignoring a ligament injury can lead to long-term issues like chronic instability or early arthritis. Early treatment matters!
Ready to Start Your Recovery?
If you’re dealing with knee pain, swelling, or instability, don’t wait for it to get worse. The sooner you get help, the better your outcome will be.
Book your appointment today and take the first step toward healing with our chiropractic team.
