Description

What is a sprain? A sprain is an injury that happens when one of your ligaments is stretched or torn. Ligaments are bands of tissue that connect bones throughout your body. They’re like ropes that hold your muscles and bones together and prevent them from moving too far. Ligaments also make sure your joints only move in the direction(s) they’re supposed to. Sprains happen when ligaments around one of your joints are damaged. Visit a healthcare provider if you notice pain, swelling or it’s hard to use or put weight on a joint — especially if you’ve experienced a fall, injury or accident. Types of sprains Any joint supported by ligaments can be sprained. The most commonly sprained joints are: • Ankle sprains (including high ankle sprains). • Wrist sprains. • Knee sprains. • Finger sprains (sometimes called jammed fingers). • Thumb sprains. How common are sprains? Sprains are very common. They’re one of the most common injuries, especially among athletes. Symptoms and Causes What are sprain symptoms? The most common sprain symptoms include: • Pain. • Swelling. • Bruising or discoloration. • Instability (feeling like you can’t put weight on the joint or move comfortably). • Reduced range of motion (it’s hard or painful to move the joint as far as usual). What causes sprains? Anything that forces your joint to move too much or too far can cause a sprain. The most common causes include: • Sports injuries. • Falls. • Slipping and catching yourself suddenly. • Rolling an ankle or twisting a knee while walking, running or jumping. • Repetitive strain injuries (overusing a joint or performing a repetitive motion for work, a sport or a hobby). What are the risk factors for sprains? Anyone can experience a sprain, but some people are more likely to sprain a joint, including: • Athletes. • Workers with physically demanding jobs. • People who have a hobby or activity that makes them perform repetitive motions. Exercise habits that can increase your injury risk (especially sprains) include: • Suddenly increasing your workout or activity intensity. • Starting a new sport or activity without the proper equipment or training (working out with poor form or wearing the wrong kind of shoes, for example). • Playing the same sport year-round with no offseason. Diagnosis and Tests How are sprains diagnosed? A healthcare provider will diagnose a sprain with a physical exam. Your provider will examine your injured joint. Tell them when you first noticed symptoms, especially if you know exactly what caused the injury. Healthcare providers grade sprains based on their severity: • Grade 1 sprain (mild): Very little or no tearing in your ligament. • Grade 2 sprain (moderate): Your ligament is partially torn, but not all the way through. • Grade 3 sprain (severe): Your ligament is completely torn. What tests do providers use to diagnose sprains? You might need imaging tests to take pictures of your joint and the tissue around it. These tests can show damage inside your joint and help diagnose other injuries like bone fractures. Your provider might use: • X-rays. • Ultrasound. • Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Management and Treatment How are sprains treated? After you see a provider for a diagnosis, you should be able to treat sprain symptoms at home by following the R.I.C.E. method: • Rest: Avoid the activity that caused your injury. Try not to use the injured part of your body while it heals. • Ice: Apply a cold compress to your injury 15 minutes at a time, a few times a day. Wrap ice packs in a towel or thin cloth so they’re not directly touching your skin. • Compression: Wrap an elastic bandage around your injured joint to help reduce swelling. Your provider can show you how to apply a compression wrap safely. • Elevation: Keep your joint above the level of your heart as often as you can. Over-the-counter NSAIDs (aspirin or ibuprofen) or acetaminophen can reduce pain and inflammation. Talk to your provider before taking over-the-counter (OTC) pain medication for longer than 10 days.

Key Specification Sprains

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