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How can you care for your child who has a knee sprain?
- Make sure your child follows instructions about how much weight can be put on the leg and how to walk with crutches.
- Put ice or a cold pack on your child's knee for 10 to 20 minutes at a time. Try to do this every 1 to 2 hours for the next 3 days (when your child is awake) or until the swelling goes down. Put a thin cloth between the ice and your child's skin.
- Prop up your child's leg on a pillow when icing it or anytime your child sits or lies down for the next 3 days. Try to keep your child's knee above the level of their heart. This will help reduce swelling.
- Have your child follow your doctor's directions for wearing an elastic bandage or a splint. Wrapping the knee may help reduce or prevent swelling.
- If the doctor recommends it, have your child wear a brace (immobilizer) to support the knee while it heals. Make sure your child wears it as directed.
- Ask your doctor if you can give your child acetaminophen (Tylenol) or ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) for pain and swelling. Be safe with medicines. Read and follow all instructions on the label.
- Do not give your child 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.
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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.