Did you twist your knee and feel pain right away? Or has soreness gradually worsened after activity? Knee sprains and strains are common injuries that can affect athletes, active adults, and even people performing everyday tasks. When pain and instability don’t improve with rest, it’s important to understand what’s happening inside your knee.
Cristobal Beiro, MD, is a board-certified orthopaedic surgeon with subspecialty certification in Sports Medicine. Fellowship-trained and highly experienced in the treatment of complex knee injuries, he provides advanced care in Avenel, NJ.
What Is a Knee Sprain?
A sprain occurs when a ligament — the strong tissue connecting bones — is stretched or torn. In the knee, this may involve the ACL, PCL, MCL, or LCL.
Sprains are typically caused by:
- Sudden twisting or pivoting
- Direct impact during sports
- Falls or accidents
Sprains can range from mild stretching to complete ligament tears.
What Is a Knee Strain?
A strain affects muscles or tendons rather than ligaments. In the knee region, this often involves the quadriceps or hamstring muscles and their tendons.
Strains are commonly caused by:
- Overuse
- Sudden acceleration or deceleration
- Inadequate warm-up before activity
Like sprains, strains vary in severity from minor pulls to significant tears.
Symptoms of Sprains and Strains
You may experience:
- Pain and tenderness
- Swelling
- Bruising
- Limited range of motion
- Instability or weakness
More severe injuries may make it difficult to bear weight.
Diagnosing Knee Injuries
A detailed physical exam helps identify whether the injury involves ligaments, muscles, or tendons. Imaging, such as X-rays or MRI, may be used to assess the extent of damage and rule out fractures or cartilage injuries.
Accurate diagnosis is critical to prevent long-term instability or chronic pain.
Treatment Options
Treatment depends on the severity of the injury.
Non-Surgical Care
Mild to moderate sprains and strains often respond to non-operative solutions like:
- Rest and activity modification
- Ice and compression
- Bracing
- Physical therapy to rebuild strength and stability
Surgical Treatment
If a ligament is completely torn or the knee remains unstable after conservative treatment, surgery may be recommended. Procedures may include ligament reconstruction or repair of associated damage.
Dr. Beiro evaluates each patient carefully to determine whether advanced surgical care is necessary.
Recovery and Return to Activity
Recovery timelines vary depending on the severity of the injury. Rehabilitation focuses on restoring strength, balance, and proper movement mechanics.
With appropriate treatment and guided therapy, many patients return to sports and active lifestyles.
Why Choose Cristobal Beiro, MD, for Sprain and Strain Treatment in Avenel, NJ?
Dr. Cris Beiro completed his orthopaedic residency at Rutgers University – New Jersey School of Medicine and his sports medicine fellowship at Union Memorial Hospital in Baltimore. He has worked with professional and collegiate athletes, bringing that experience to the community in Avenel, NJ.
Board-certified and highly experienced in complex knee surgery, Dr. Beiro is co-founder of Garden State Bone and Joint and an attending physician at several area hospitals. His approach is compassionate, evidence-based, and focused on restoring long-term joint stability.
Recover Safely and Get Back to Movement
Knee sprains and strains can disrupt your routine and limit your mobility. With expert evaluation and a personalized treatment plan, you can heal properly and reduce the risk of reinjury.
If you’re dealing with a knee injury in Avenel, NJ, contact Cristobal Beiro, MD, at (732) 283-2663 to discuss your symptoms and next steps.
