Patient education: Knee sprain – ED discharge instructions (The Basics)

What are discharge instructions? — 

Discharge instructions are information about how to take care of yourself after getting medical care in the emergency department ("ED").

What should I know? — 

You came to the ED for a knee sprain. This means a ligament in your knee tore or got stretched too much.

You probably have knee pain, swelling, stiffness, or weakness. It might be hard to bend your knee or walk. Your knee might feel unstable or "give out" when you try to go up or down stairs. You can recover at home.

You might be waiting on test results. The staff will notify you if there are concerning results.

How do I care for myself at home? — 

Ask the doctor or nurse what you should do when you go home. Make sure you understand exactly what you need to do to care for yourself. Ask questions if there is anything you do not understand.

You should also do the following:

●Call your regular doctor and tell them you were in the ED. Make a follow-up appointment if you were told to.

●Take non-prescription medicines to relieve pain, if needed. Examples include acetaminophen (sample brand name: Tylenol), ibuprofen (sample brand names: Advil, Motrin), and naproxen (sample brand name: Aleve).

●Rest your knee. If the doctor gave you a knee brace or splint, wear it as instructed. Or they might have told you to wrap your knee with an elastic bandage.

●Use crutches to help you move around. Follow all instructions for limiting activity until your knee heals.

●Ice can help with pain and swelling. Put a cold gel pack, bag of ice, or bag of frozen vegetables on your wrist every 1 to 2 hours, for 15 minutes each time. Put a thin towel between the ice (or other cold object) and your skin. Use the ice (or other cold object) for at least 6 hours after your injury. It might help to ice longer, even up to 2 days.

●Prop your knee on pillows, keeping it raised above the level of your heart. This can help with pain and swelling.

●Once the pain and swelling improve and your doctor says it's OK, you can slowly start to stretch your knee. You might need to work with a physical therapist (exercise expert).

When should I call the doctor? — 

Call for advice if:

●The pain or swelling gets worse.

●Your foot or toes are blue, gray, or numb.

●You cannot put weight on your knee, your knee "locks" in place, or your knee "gives out."

●You have new or worsening symptoms.

More on this topic

Patient education: Knee sprain (The Basics)
Patient education: How to use a knee brace (The Basics)
Patient education: How to care for a splint (The Basics)
Patient education: How to use crutches (The Basics)

Patient education: Cast and splint care (Beyond the Basics)