Sprains
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Medical Encyclopedia
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Sprains
Illustrations
Joint sprain
A sprain is an injury to the ligaments around
a joint. Ligaments are strong, flexible fibers that hold bones together. When a
ligament is stretched too far or tears, the joint will become painful and swell.
Sprains are caused when a joint is forced to
move into an unnatural position. For example, "twisting" one's ankle
causes a sprain to the ligaments around the ankle.
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Joint stiffness
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Discoloration of the skin, especially bruising
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Apply ice immediately to help reduce swelling. Wrap the ice in cloth --
DO NOT place ice directly on the skin.
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Try NOT to move the affected area. To help you do this, bandage the
affected area firmly, but not tightly. ACE bandages work well. Use a splint
if necessary.
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Keep the swollen joint elevated above the level of the heart, even while
sleeping.
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Rest the affected joint for several days.
Aspirin, ibuprofen, or other pain relievers
can help. DO NOT give aspirin to children.
Keep pressure off the injured area until the
pain subsides (usually 7-10 days for mild sprains and 3-5 weeks for severe
sprains). You may require crutches when walking. Rehabilitation to regain the
motion and strength of the joint should begin within one week.
Call immediately for emergency medical
assistance if Return
to top
Go to the hospital right away or call 911 if:
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The joint appears to be deformed.
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You have a serious injury or the pain is severe.
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There is an audible popping sound and immediate difficulty using the
joint.
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Call your doctor if:
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Swelling does not go down within 2 days.
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You have symptoms of infection -- the area becomes redder, more painful,
or warm, or you have a fever over 100°F.
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The pain does not go away after several weeks.
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Wear protective footwear for activities that place stress on your ankle
and other joints.
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Make sure that shoes fit your feet properly.
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Avoid high-heeled shoes.
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Always warm-up and stretch prior to exercise and sports.
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Avoid sports and activities for which you are not conditioned.
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DeLee JC, Drez, Jr., D, Miller MD, eds. DeLee
and Drez’s Orthopaedic Sports Medicine. 2nd Ed. Philadelphia,
PA:Saunders; 2003.
Frontera, WR, Silver JK, eds. Essentials
of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation. 1st Ed. Philadelphia,
PA: Hanley & Belfus; 2002.
Marx JA, Hockberger RS, Walls RM, eds. Rosen’s
Emergency Medicine: Concepts and Clinical Practice. 5th Ed. St.
Louis, MO: Mosby; 2002.
Update Date: 6/8/2005
Updated by: Kevin B. Freedman, MD, MSCE, Sports
Medicine, Orthopaedic Specialists, Bryn Mawr, PA. Review provided by VeriMed
Healthcare Network.
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