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Sprain
(Ligament Sprain)
Definition
A sprain is stretching or tearing of a ligament. Ligaments are strong bands of tissue that hold bones to each other. Sprains are more common in the ankle, knee, thumb or finger joints, and the shoulder.
| Sprain: Grade 2 |
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Causes
A sprain is when a force pushes the bones of a joint apart. If the force is strong enough, the ligament comes apart. This can happen from things like:
- A sudden change in direction
- An impact with an object or another person
- A misstep that causes a sudden strain at a joint
Risk Factors
Things that may raise the risk of this problem are:
- Muscle weakness
- Poor flexibility
- Coordination and balance problems
- Playing sports, such as basketball, football, skiing, and gymnastics
Symptoms
Problems may be:
- Pain and tenderness, especially putting weight on the joint
- Swelling and bruising
- Problems moving
- A popping sound
Diagnosis
The doctor will ask about your symptoms and health history. You will also be asked how you hurt the joint. A physical exam will be done. It will focus on the joint.
It can be hard to tell a sprain from a fracture or dislocation. Pictures may be taken. This can be done with:
Treatment
Treatment will depend on the joint and how severe the injury is. The goal of treatment is to ease pain and improve movement. Choices are:
- Supportive care, such as rest, ice, a compression bandage, and raising the area to ease pain and swelling
- Medicine, such as over the counter and prescription pain relievers
- Devices that keep the area still as it heals
- Physical therapy to strengthen the area and improve movement
Prevention
Most sprains are due to accidents. They cannot always be prevented. The risk may be lowered by:
- Using the right safety gear and techniques when playing sports
- Stretching and strengthening the ligaments that support joints
RESOURCES
American College of Sports Medicine
http://acsm.org
http://acsm.org
Ortho Info—American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons
http://orthoinfo.aaos.org
http://orthoinfo.aaos.org
CANADIAN RESOURCES
Canadian Orthopaedic Association
http://www.coa-aco.org
http://www.coa-aco.org
Canadian Orthopaedic Foundation
http://www.canorth.org
http://www.canorth.org
References
Ankle sprain. EBSCO DynaMed Plus website. Available at:
https://www.dynamed.com/condition/ankle-sprain
. October 12, 2020.
Derry S, Moore RA, et al. Topical NSAIDs for acute musculoskeletal pain in adults. Cochrane Database Syst Rev.2015;(6):CD007402.
Sprained ankle. Ortho Info—American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons website. Available at:
http://orthoinfo.aaos.org/topic.cfm?topic=A00150. October 12, 2020.
Revision Information
- Reviewer: EBSCO Medical Review Board Teresa Briedwell, PT, DPT
- Review Date: 09/2020
- Update Date: 10/12/2020
