After maintaining a strict adherence to your sport's rules of engagement, including stretching and warming up, maintaining a strength training program and wearing the proper athletic shoes, a sudden knee injury leading to a sprain, fracture or ligament tear can be life changing. When treating basic knee injuries such as a knee sprain, using the RICE method including resting the joint, applying ice packs, compression and keeping the leg elevated can bring relief and allow the joint to heal naturally.