Amy Scholten, MPH A knee sprain is the stretching or tearing of
ligaments that support the knee. Ligaments are strong bands of
tissue that connect bones to each other. Ligaments of the Knee
Copyright © Nucleus Medical Media, Inc. Knee sprains may be
caused by: - Forced twisting of the knee - Stopping suddenly
while running - Shifting your weight while running or skiing -
Landing awkwardly after jumping - Blow to the outer or inner
side of the knee - Blow to the front of the knee while the knee
is bent and the foot is firmly planted on the ground These
factors increase your chance of developing a knee sprain. Tell
your doctor if you have any of these risk factors: - Playing
sports - Poor coordination - Poor balance - Inadequate
flexibility and strength in muscles and ligaments - Loose joints
- Pain in the knee - Swelling, redness, warmth, or bruising
around the knee - Decreased range of motion in the knee -
Inability to stand on the affected leg - Tenderness where the
injured ligament attaches to a bone in the