A sprain (from Middle French espraindre - to wring) is an injury to ligaments that is caused by being stretched beyond their normal capacity and possibly torn. A muscular tear caused in the same manner is referred to as a strain. In cases where either ligament or muscle tissue is torn, immobilization and surgical repair may be necessary. Ligaments are tough, fibrous tissues that connect bone to bone across the joints. Sprains can occur in any joint but are most common in the ankle. ^[1]

Contents

• Pain
• Swelling
• Bruising
• Decreased ability to move the joint
• If the ligament is ruptured, one may hear a popping sound
• Difficulty using the affected extremity
• deep pain

Diagnosis

The diagnosis of sprain injury is made by a physical examination. In most cases an x-ray of the affected joint is obtained to ensure that there are no fractures. If a tear in the ligament is suspected, then an MRI is obtained. MRI is usually ordered after swelling has subsided and can readily identify the presence of a ligament injury. ^[2].

Causes

Sprains typically occur when the joint is overextended. This can cause over stretching of the ligament, tear or rupture the ligament. ^[3]

Joints involved

Although any joint can experience a sprain, some of the more common include:

• the ankle. It is the most common, and has been said that sprains such as serious ankle sprains are more painful and take longer to heal than actually breaking the bones in that area. ^[4] See sprained ankle for more details.
• the knee. 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 in football, basketball, soccer, pole vaulting,((softball and baseball)), and judo. See Anterior cruciate ligament injury.
• the fingers.
• the wrist.
• the toes.

Risk factors

There are certain factors which increase risk of sprains. ^[5] Fatigue of muscles generally leads to sprains. When one suddenly starts to exercise after a sedentary lifestyle, sprains are quite common. Not warming-up is the most common cause of sprains in athletes. Warming-up loosens the joint, increases blood flow and makes the joint more flexible. Poor conditioning of the body can also lead to sprains.

Diagnosis of sprains is not difficult but in most cases x-rays are obtained to ensure that there is no fracture. In many cases, if the injury is prolonged, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is performed to look at surrounding soft tissues and the ligament ^[6]

Treatment

The first modality for a sprain can be remembered using the acronym RICE.^[7] The treatment of sprains depends on the extent of injury and the joint involved. Medications like non steroidalanti-inflammatory drugs can relieve pain. Weight bearing should be gradual and advanced as tolerated. ^[8]

• Rest: The sprain should be rested. No additional force should be applied on site of the sprain. If, for example, the sprain were an ankle sprain, then walking should be kept to a minimum.^[9]

• Ice: Ice should be applied immediately to the sprain to minimize swelling and ease pain. It can be applied for 20-30 minutes at a time, 3-4 times a day. Ice can be combined with a wrapping to minimize swelling and provide support.^[9]

• Compression: Dressings, bandages, or ace-wraps should be used to immobilize the sprain and provide support.^[9]

• Elevate Keeping the sprained joint elevated above heart level will also help to minimize swelling.^[9]

Ice and compression (cold compression therapy) will not completely stop swelling and pain, but will help to minimize them as the sprain begins to heal itself. Careful management of swelling is critical to the healing process as additional fluid may pool in the sprained area.

The joint should be exercised again fairly soon, in milder cases from 1 to 3 days after injury.^[10][10] Special exercises are sometimes needed in order to regain strength and help reduce the risk of ongoing problems. The joint may need to be supported by taping or bracing, helping protect it from re-injury.

Functional rehabilitation

After any sprain, proper rehabilitation is a must; especially when the injury has been severe. After acute treatment, a rehabilitation program is critical in speeding recovery of the joint. Lack of rehabilitation can often delay return to normal function for months. ^[11]

The other error most people make is to use prolonged immobilization. This usually leads to muscle atrophy and stiff joint. The components of an effective rehabilitation for all sprain injuries include increasing range of motion and progressive muscle strengthening exercise. ^[12]