A sprain occurs when the ligaments are injured (stretched or torn). The
ligaments are tissues that connect the bones at the joints.
Most sprains happen around the knees, ankles, or fingers.
What can cause a sprain?
Most sprains happen from a sudden wrench or twist.
Sprained ankles commonly result from tripping or turning the ankle the wrong
way.
What are the symptoms of a sprain?
Sprains can be mild or severe, depending on whether the ligaments were stretched
or torn.
Sprains usually cause pain, tenderness, swelling, or bruising to the injured
area.
It may be hard to move the injured area.
How is a sprain treated?
For treatment, follow the steps of RICE-- Rest, Ice, Compression, and Elevation.
Rest: Use the injured body part as little as possible.
Ice: Put an ice pack on the injury to keep it from swelling.
Put a towel between the ice pack and the skin. The ice pack can be gently
held to the area using an elastic band. Ice about 15 minutes every hour
for the first couple of days.
Compression: Wrap an elastic band around the area. This will
give it support and bring down swelling.
Elevation: Keep the injured area raised. For example, prop up
a sprained ankle on a pillow or chair. This will help bring down swelling
and will ease pain.
After 48 hours, heat can be put on the injury. Apply heat for about 15 minutes
every hour. Use a heating pad; warm, wet towels; or soak the injury in warm
water.
Begin using the injured area slowly as pain allows.
Wrap a bandage around the injury to give support to joints. If the bandage
makes the area around the injury feel numb or tingly or if the skin changes
color, the bandage is too tight. Take it off and rewrap it more loosely.
Use a cane or crutches if walking is painful.
If the doctor uses a splint for the injury, follow the directions for caring
for the splint when showering and sleeping.
Using acetaminophen (such as Tylenol) or ibuprofen
(such as Advil) may help ease pain.
If the skin around the injury is discolored or swollen, call the doctor.
Sprains in young children can lead to complications. If your child has not
completed puberty and has a sprain, call the doctor.
How long will it take to heal?
If treated with care, a moderate sprain usually takes 6 to 8 weeks to heal.
More severe sprains may take longer to heal.
How can sprains be prevented?
Stretch the muscles and warm up before physical activities.
Ask the doctor or a fitness expert for examples of stretching exercises.
When should I call the doctor?
Call the doctor if the skin around the injured area is discolored or swollen.
Call the doctor if symptoms, such as pain, bruising, and swelling, get worse
or do not improve.
Call the doctor if the area below the injury (such as the foot if an ankle
is sprained) is cold, numb, or looks blue or gray.
If your child has a sprain and has not yet completed puberty, call the doctor.
Quick Answers
A sprain occurs when the ligaments are injured.
Most sprains happen from a sudden wrench or twist near a joint, such as
the ankle or knee.
Sprains usually cause pain, tenderness, swelling, or bruising to the injured
area.
For treatment of a sprain, follow the steps of RICE-- Rest, Ice, Compression,
and Elevation.
A sprain takes about 6 to 8 weeks to heal.
To prevent sprains, stretch the muscles and warm up before physical activities.
Call the doctor if the area below the injury is cold, numb, or looks blue
or gray.
References
Columbia University College of P & S Complete Home Medical Guide. Common
First Aid Procedures: Sprains. (cited 2002 January 16). Available from: http://cpmcnet.columbia.edu/texts/guide/hmg14_0022.html#14.61
Health Square. Sprained Ankle. (cited 2002 January 16). Available from:
URL: http://www.healthsquare.com/mc/fgmc0706.htm
Health Square. Sprained Ligament. (cited 2002 January 16). Available from:
URL: http://www.healthsquare.com/mc/fgmc0737.htm
Steele R. Sprains. ParentsPlace. (cited 2002 January 16). Available from:
URL: http://www.parentsplace.com/features/safety/articles/0,10335,258910_10887,00.html
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