Description

A sprain is a stretching or tearing of ligaments — the tough bands of fibrous tissue that connect two bones together in your joints. The most common location for a sprain in his ankle.

The initial treatment includes rest, ice, compression and elevation. Mild sprains can be successfully treated at home. Severe sprains sometimes require surgery to repair torn ligaments.

The difference between a sprain and a strain is that a sprain injures the bands of tissue that connect two bones together, while a strain involves an injury to a muscle or to the band of tissue that connects a muscle to a bone.

Symptoms

The signs and symptoms vary, depending on the severity of the injury, and may include:

  • The pain
  • Swelling
  • Bruising
  • Limited ability to move the affected joint
  • You hear or feel a "pop" in his knee in the time of the injury

When to see the doctor

Mild sprains can be treated at home. But the injuries that cause sprains can also cause serious injuries, such as fractures. You should see a doctor if you:

  • Unable to move or bear weight on the affected joint
  • You have pain directly over the bones of a joint is injured
  • You have numbness in any part of the injured area

Causes

A sprain occurs when you stretch or tear of a ligament, while severely stressing a joint. Sprains often occur in the following circumstances:

  • Ankle — Walking or exercising on an uneven surface, landing awkwardly from a jump
  • Knee — Pivoting during a sports activity
  • Bracelet of Landing on an outstretched hand during a fall
  • Thumb — Skiing injury or hyperextension when playing racket sports such as tennis

The children have areas of soft tissue, called growth plates near the ends of the bones. The ligaments around the joint are often stronger than these growth plates, so that children are more likely to experience a fracture, a sprain.

Risk factors

The factors that contribute to sprains are:

  • Environmental conditions. Slippery or uneven surfaces can make you more prone to injury.
  • Fatigue. The tired muscles are less likely to provide a good support to your joints. When you are tired, you are also more likely to succumb to the forces that may stress a joint.
  • Lack of equipment. Poorly fitted or poorly maintained, shoes or other sports equipment can contribute to the risk of a sprain.

Prevention

Regular stretching and strengthening exercises for your sport, fitness or work activity, as part of a physical fitness program-general, can help to minimize the risk of sprains. Try to be in shape to play your sport, don't play your sport to get in shape. If you have a physically demanding occupation, regular conditioning can help prevent injuries.

You can protect your joints in the long-term working to strengthen and condition the muscles around the joint that has been injured. The best faucet that you can give to yourself is your own "muscle of the key." Ask your doctor about an appropriate treatment and the stability of the exercises. Also, the use of footwear that provides support and protection.

Diagnosis

During the physical exam, your doctor will check for swelling and points of pain in the affected limb. The location and intensity of your pain can help determine the extent and nature of the damage.

X-rays can help to rule out a fracture or other injury to the bone as the source of the problem. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), can also be used to help diagnose the extent of the injury.

Treatment

Immediately the self-care of a sprain, try the R. I. C. E. approach of rest, ice, compression, elevation:

  • Rest. Avoid activities that cause pain, swelling or discomfort. But don't avoid all physical activity.
  • Of ice. Even if you are in search of medical aid, ice the area immediately. Use an ice pack or sleet in a bath of ice and water for 15 to 20 minutes each time, and repeat every two to three hours while you are awake, during the first days after the injury.
  • Compression. To help stop swelling, compress the area with an elastic bandage until the swelling stops. Do not place very well or you may hinder circulation. Begin wrapping at the end furthest away from your heart. Loosen the bandage if the pain increases, the area becomes numb or swelling occur below the wrapped area.
  • Elevation. Elevate the injured area above the level of the heart, especially at night, which allows gravity to help to reduce the swelling.

Over-the-counter pain medications such as ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin IB, others) and acetaminophen (Tylenol, others) can also be useful.

After the first two days, gently begin to use the injured area. You should see a gradual, progressive improvement in the articulation of the ability to maintain your weight, or your ability to move without pain. The recovery of sprains can take days to months.

A physical therapist can help to maximize the stability and strength of the injured joint or limb. Your doctor may suggest that you immobilize the area with a brace or splint. For some injuries, such as a torn ligament, surgery may be considered.

Preparing for your appointment

While you may initially consult your doctor, he or she may refer you to a doctor who specializes in sports medicine or orthopedic surgery.

What you can do

You can write a list that includes:

  • Detailed descriptions of its symptoms
  • The information about the medical problems that you have had
  • Information about the health problems of your parents or siblings
  • All of the medications and supplements you take
  • Questions you want to ask the doctor

What to expect from your doctor

Your doctor may ask some of the following questions:

  • How exactly were in motion when the injury occurred?
  • Do you hear or feel a pop or snap?
  • When did it happen?
  • What types of home treatments that you have tried?
  • Have you ever injured this part of your body before?
  • If so, how is it possible that the injury occur?
The symptoms and treatment of Sprains