What Is The Best Thing I Can Do To Speed Up Recovery Knee Pain ?

Posted on Sat, 27 Feb 2021

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Sat, 27 Feb 2021 Answered on

Thu, 13 Feb 2025 Last reviewed on

Question : A little history :

I have a question regarding knee pain. I was skiing today and while waiting in the lift line my ski was hit by another skier causing both skis to go wide turning both of my knees inward it’s like I did the splits. I skied for another 30 minutes and now two hours later both my knees are soar on the inside and they are tight. There is no swelling and I can walk I can even jump up and down. My question is does this sound like a strain or something more serious ? I would like to ski tomorrow but I assure if that would be smart.

Today the knees are sore and I canceled skiing. The fact that I can walk, albeit gingerly, they are both sore and I can bend them with moderate pain. What is the best thing I can do to speed up recovery ?

Answered by Dr. Aashish Raghu (15 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Answer

Detailed Answer:
Hi there

Thanks for the query

From the history, it appears that you may have sustained a sprain of the ligaments on the inner aspect of your knees.

If you haven't noticed any sort of instability while standing or walking, then it's just a sprain.

Apply cold compress or ice to painful region. Avoid movements causing pain. If you are in increasing pain, do wear long knee brace for 2 weeks amd get an MRI of the knees to find out any serious ligament tear.
If pain is decreasing and feels better, you can weight bear and walk as tolerated.

I hope I have answered your query.

I will be available to answer your follow up queries.

Regards,

Aashish Raghu

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Vaishalee Punj

Follow up: Dr. Aashish Raghu (15 hours later)

Thank you Dr. Raghu! I really appreciate your expertise. Today both my knees feel much better in terms of pain. The pain level has decreased to a 2. Both knees remain tight but I do not feel any instability. Three quick questions for you:

1. Would be ok to ride my pelaton bike at a very low level?

2. Should I begin trying to stretch my kneees - bending? Side to side movements?

3. How long does it usually take to recover from a knee sprain ?

Thank you !

Answered by Dr. Aashish Raghu (30 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Answer

Detailed Answer:
You can attempt to bend or stretch the knee. Side to side movements when you feel confident.

Knee sprain can take around 2-4 weeks to settle.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Vaishalee Punj