Jump to
How can you care for yourself when you have a knee sprain?
- Follow instructions about how much weight you can put on your leg and how to walk with crutches.
- Prop up your leg on a pillow when you ice it or anytime you sit or lie down for the next 3 days. Try to keep it above the level of your heart. This will help reduce swelling.
- Put ice or a cold pack on your knee for 10 to 20 minutes at a time. Try to do this every 1 to 2 hours for the next 3 days (when you are awake) or until the swelling goes down. Put a thin cloth between the ice and your skin.
- Follow your doctor's directions for wearing an elastic bandage, a splint, or a brace (immobilizer). Wrapping the knee may help reduce or prevent swelling.
- Ask your doctor if you can take an over-the-counter pain medicine, such as acetaminophen (Tylenol), ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin), or naproxen (Aleve). Be safe with medicines. Read and follow all instructions on the label.
- Do not take two or more pain medicines at the same time unless the doctor told you to. Many pain medicines have acetaminophen, which is Tylenol. Too much acetaminophen (Tylenol) can be harmful.
Knee sprain: When to call
Call 911 anytime you think you may need emergency care. For example, call if:
- You have sudden chest pain and shortness of breath, or you cough up blood.
Call your doctor now or seek immediate medical care if:
- You have increased or severe pain.
- You cannot move your toes or ankle.
- Your foot is cool or pale or changes color.
- You have tingling, weakness, or numbness in your foot or leg.
- Your splint or brace feels too tight.
- You are unable to straighten the knee, or the knee "locks."
- You have signs of a blood clot in your leg, such as:
- Pain in your calf, back of the knee, thigh, or groin.
- Redness and swelling in your leg.
Watch closely for changes in your health, and be sure to contact your doctor if:
- Your pain is not getting better or is getting worse.
©2011-2026 Healthwise, Incorporated
The content above contains general health information provided by Healthwise, Incorporated, and reviewed by its medical experts. This content should not replace the advice of your healthcare provider. Not all treatments or services described are offered as services by us. For recommended treatments, please consult your healthcare provider.