Knee Sprain
The knee is comprised of four major ligaments, the ACL (anterior cruciate ligament), PCL (posterior cruciate ligament), the MCL (medial collateral ligament) and LCL (lateral collateral ligament). Each of these ligaments is critical to the stability of the knee. When one of these ligaments is injured, it is known as a knee sprain.
Causes of Knee Sprains
A knee sprain usually occurs due to unnatural movements during physical activity. Sudden turns or pivoting can cause injury to your ligaments. Knee sprains are common in sports with lots of running, jumping, and turning, such as in football, basketball, and skiing.
Direct hits to the knee can also cause knee sprains. The most obvious example is in contact sports, when there may be physical contact between two players or the ground. An incident such as falling or a car accident can also cause knee sprains.
Symptoms of Knee Sprains
Many patients suffering from knee sprains hear a popping noise at the time of injury. Pain and tenderness in the knee accompanied by stiffness and swelling are common signs of a knee sprain. Some patients may also experience bruising and instability when walking. In more severe cases, the patient may have trouble bearing weight on the affected leg.
How to Treat Knee Sprains
A knee sprain is not an ideal diagnosis because it does not tell you which ligament is injured or how severely it is injured. If you suspect that you have a knee sprain, consult a physician to undergo further diagnosis.
Minor knee sprains may heal over time with rest, ice, compression and elevation (RICE). Patients can also control pain and inflammation by taking over-the-counter pain relievers such as ibuprofen or aspirin. Wearing a brace or compression sleeve for the sprain will also help provide the added stability you need while healing. More serious injuries such as a torn ACL may require surgery and physical therapy.
As with any injury, your doctor will be the best source of advice on the appropriate treatment method for your situation.
Top Recommended Braces for Knee Sprains
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$219.99On Sale 0% Off Save $0.00(31) ReviewsStay in the game with the brace built for explosive movement and serious support. The Bionic Fullstop trains proper ACL motion and protects on every pivot and cut. Trusted by athletes who don’t know the meaning of “slow down.”The Bionic FullStop Knee Brace can be used to treat or prevent the following knee injuries:
- ACL Injuries
- Meniscus Injuries
- Moderate Ligament Sprains of MCL, LCL, and PCL
- Patella Support
- Hyperextension Prevention
- Joint Instability
- Post Surgery Protection
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Special Price $43.99 Regular Price $43.99On Sale 0% Off Save $0.00(51) ReviewsEngineered for athletes who demand support without compromise. The TriZone Knee Support combines compression and bracing in a single sleeve, featuring three strategically placed zones for enhanced stability and comfort. Crafted with carbonized bamboo for natural odor control and breathability, it's ideal for sports like basketball, running, and volleyball.The Trizone Knee Support Brace can be used to treat or prevent the following knee injuries:
- Tendonitis
- Meniscus Injury
- Muscle Strain
- Over Use Injury
- Mild Joint Instability
- Need for Compression
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Special Price $77.99 Regular Price $86.99On Sale 10% Off Save $9.00(67) ReviewsLock in stability, dominate every move. Polycentric hinges with hyperextension stops + anti-migration wrap-around fit means this brace locks you tight through every jump, cut, and sprint Breathable neoprene, stretch-web closures, stash pocket and reflectivity keep you agile, comfortable, and game-ready—day or nightThe Bionic Knee Brace can be used to treat or prevent the following knee injuries:
- MCL and LCL Instabilities
- Knee Hyperextension
- General Meniscus Support
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Special Price $86.99 Regular Price $95.99On Sale 9% Off Save $9.00(9) ReviewsLock into performance-grade support with bilateral polycentric hinges. Moisture-wicking Drytex material and open-patella design keep you cool, agile, and on‑point through every cut and sprint. Adjustable top/bottom straps and anti-slip silicone hem ensure this brace stays put when you're pushing limits on the field or court.The Bionic Drytex Knee Sleeve can be used to treat or prevent the following knee injuries:
- Medial / Lateral Ligament Protection
- Hyperextension
- Range of Motion Protection
- Elbow Instability
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Special Price $61.99 Regular Price $68.99On Sale 10% Off Save $7.00(3) ReviewsLock in elite-level support through every cut and sprint. Dual aluminum polycentric hinges and hyperextension guards control lateral and medial instability—ideal for ACL, MCL, meniscus, or sprain rehab. Breathable neoprene with moisture-wicking terry lining, wrap-around fit, and anti-slip pads keep it snug, comfortable, and game-ready from kickoff to cool-down .The Bionic Comfort Hinged Knee Brace can be used to treat or prevent the following knee injuries:
- Meniscus Injury
- MCL and LCL Protection
- Knee Instability
- Hyperextension
- Strained Muscles or Tendons
- Sprained Ligaments
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Special Price $69.99 Regular Price $77.99On Sale 10% Off Save $8.00Engineered for athletes who demand mobility and support. The 4-way stretch knit fabric delivers compression to manage swelling, while removable plastic hinges provide medial/lateral stability during dynamic movements. Ideal for sports like basketball, volleyball, and soccer, this lightweight sleeve offers a secure fit with adjustable straps and a patella buttress to protect the kneecap.The Hinged Knit Knee can be used to treat or prevent the following knee injuries:
- Overuse Injuries
- Patella Tracking Disorder
- Muscle Imbalance
- Strained Muscle or Tendons
- Mild Sprains
- Blunt Trauma
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Special Price $26.99 Regular Price $29.99On Sale 10% Off Save $3.00(5) ReviewsEngineered for athletes who demand stability and mobility. Removable aluminum hinges and adjustable straps provide customizable medial/lateral support, making it ideal for sprains, strains, and mild arthritis. Its wraparound design ensures easy application, while the terrycloth lining offers comfort and moisture absorption during intense activity.The Stabilizing Hinged Knee Wrap can be used to treat or prevent the following knee injuries:
- Mild to Moderate Knee Sprains & Strains
- Knee Instabilities
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$52.01On Sale 0% Off Save $0.00(12) ReviewsEngineered for athletes demanding knee stability without compromise. The sewn-in horseshoe pad and spiral stays provide targeted patellar support, ideal for conditions like Osgood-Schlatter or patellar instability. Adjustable thigh and calf straps ensure a secure fit, allowing you to focus on performance without distraction.The Performer Patella Knee Support can be used to treat or prevent the following knee injuries:
- Sprains
- Muscle Strain
- Patella Instability
- Osgood-Schlatter
- Mild to Moderate ACL, MCL, LCL & PCL Support
