Sprain
From Free net encyclopedia
General Information
A sprain (from the French espraindre - to wring) is an injury which occurs to ligaments caused by a sudden overstretching (for the muscle injury, see strain). The ligament is usually only stretched, but sometimes it can be snapped, slightly torn or ruptured, all of which are more serious and require longer to heal.
Sprains are graded in three degrees. Although some signs and symptoms can be used to assess the severity of a sprain, the most definitive method is with the use of Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI). A 1° sprain has only minor tearing of the ligament whereas a 3° sprain is characterized by complete rupture.
The typical signs and symptoms associated with a sprain are localized pain, swelling, and loss of function.
Although any joint can experience a sprain, some of the more common include the ankle, knee, and fingers. Perhaps one of the more talked about sprains is that to the Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL) of the knee. This is a disabling sprain common to athletes, especially female basketball, soccer, and judo players.
Treatment
1. Apply ice immediately to help reduce swelling. Place the ice in a ziplock bag and wrap the ziplock in a towel or tissue -- to avoid frostburn DO NOT place ice directly on the skin.
2. Try NOT to move the affected area. To help you do this, bandage the affected area firmly, but not tightly. Use a splint if necessary.
3. Keep the swollen joint elevated above the level of the heart, even while sleeping.
4. Rest the affected joint for several days.
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.fr:Entorse (médecine) ja:捻挫 Template:Med-stub