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Knee Strain

Injury to the muscles or tendons that attach to bones in the knee. Muscles,tendons and bone comprise units. These units stabilize the knee joint and allow its motion. A strain occurs at a unit's weakest part. Strains are of 3 types:

• Mild (Grade I)-Slightly pulled muscle without tearing of muscle or tendon fibers. There is no loss of strength.
• Moderate (Grade II)- Tearing of fibers in a muscle, tendon or at the attachment to bone. Strength is diminished.
• Severe (Grade III)-Rupture of the muscle-tendon-bone attachment with separation of fibers. Severe strain requires surgical repair. Chronic strains are caused by overuse. Acute strains are caused by direct injury or overstress.

BODY PARTS INVOLVED

• Tendons and muscles in the knee region,especially the quadriceps and the hamstrings.
• Bones in the knee area, including the femur,patella, tibia and fibula.
• Soft tissue surrounding the strain, including nerves, periosteum (covering to bone), blood vessels and lymph vessels.

Causes

• Prolonged overuse of muscle-tendon units in the knee.
• Single violent blow or force applied to the knee.

Signs & Symptoms

• Pain when moving or stretching the knee.
• Muscle spasm in the knee area.
• Swelling over the injury.
• Loss of strength (moderate or severe strain).
• Crepitation ("crackling") feeling and sound when the injured area is pressed with fingers,
• Calcification of the muscle or tendon (visible with X-rays).
• Inflammation of the tendon sheath.

Treatment

Follow your doctor's instructions. Instructions are supplemental.

• Use ice massage 3 or 4 times a day for 15 minutes at a time. Fill a large styrofoam cup with water and freeze.Tear a small amount of foam from the top so ice protrudes. Massage firmly over the injured area in a circle about the size of a softball.
• After the first 24 hours, apply heat instead of ice, if it feels better. Use heat lamps, hot soaks, hot showers, heating pads, or heat liniments and ointments.
• Take whirlpool treatments, if available.
• Wrap the injured knee with an elasticized bandage between treatments.
• Massage gently and often to provide comfort and decrease swelling.

Home Diet

Eat a well-balanced diet that includes extra protein, such as meat, fish, poultry, cheese, milk and eggs. Increase fiber and fluid intake to prevent constipation that may result from decreased activity.

Prevention Tips

• Participate in a stretching, strengthening and conditioning program appropriate for your sport.
• Warm up before practice or competition.
• Tape the knee area before practice or competition.