A sprain comes about when a ligament is stretched beyond its capability to stretch. Possibly based on the French word 'espraindre,' translating into 'squeeze', a sprain commonly occurs in the wrist and also the ankle, though other joints will also be vulnerable. Sprains are especially common in sports. A tennis player may reach too far to return a serve. You could possibly set your foot wrong while running. These include common cases. You have to be extra careful starting a workout program, too. The ligaments aren't used to the stress. Everyday activity can be just as full of hazards. Over-reaching to the top shelf or twisting an ankle going down some steps are equally prone to producing a sprain.
Understanding our joints will help us to understand sprains. Any part of our skeleton that allows movement is a joint. The movement is allowed by ligaments, connective tissues that bind different bones together. Joints and their ligaments naturally allow some stretching. It's when a ligament stretches too far that we get a sprain.
Pain is the first sign of a sprain, followed shortly after by swelling of the damaged joint. A severe sprain may also make a sharp sound at the time of injury. Mobility may also be impaired, either immediately or shortly after the injury. There are several tools for checking for sprains. An x-ray will often be used first to check for broken bones. In more severe cases, doctors may use an MRI to check for evidence of serious ligament damage.
The first line of treatment is to STOP the movement to avoid further damage to the ligament. Sit tight until help arrives. Trying to reach medical attention all by yourself you will do more damage than taking rest. It's especially important to be careful with sprains of the ankles and knees. Ice - either as a bag of ice or a cold pack - is also an important step to preventing painful swelling. It is possible to over-use ice, though. Make sure to allow the joint to warm to allow healing.
Compression with a wrap will help to reduce pain and give support to the affected part. While firm compression is helpful to the injured joint, it's also important not to cut off circulation. Loss of circulation can be just as damaging as the sprain itself. Elevating the damaged joint will also stop some of the swelling.
While most sprains heal fully with time and care, some very sever sprains can cause lasting problems. Some more serious sprains could cause impaired mobility and pain for extended periods of time. In a worst-case scenario, surgery may even be necessary to fully recover.
Part of rehabilitating a damaged ligament is exercise. This will restore strength and elasticity to the joint. Regular, controlled exercise is essential to the full recovery of any injury. When exercising your sprain, however, always follow the advice of medical experts to assure a speedy recovery.
Understanding our joints will help us to understand sprains. Any part of our skeleton that allows movement is a joint. The movement is allowed by ligaments, connective tissues that bind different bones together. Joints and their ligaments naturally allow some stretching. It's when a ligament stretches too far that we get a sprain.
Pain is the first sign of a sprain, followed shortly after by swelling of the damaged joint. A severe sprain may also make a sharp sound at the time of injury. Mobility may also be impaired, either immediately or shortly after the injury. There are several tools for checking for sprains. An x-ray will often be used first to check for broken bones. In more severe cases, doctors may use an MRI to check for evidence of serious ligament damage.
The first line of treatment is to STOP the movement to avoid further damage to the ligament. Sit tight until help arrives. Trying to reach medical attention all by yourself you will do more damage than taking rest. It's especially important to be careful with sprains of the ankles and knees. Ice - either as a bag of ice or a cold pack - is also an important step to preventing painful swelling. It is possible to over-use ice, though. Make sure to allow the joint to warm to allow healing.
Compression with a wrap will help to reduce pain and give support to the affected part. While firm compression is helpful to the injured joint, it's also important not to cut off circulation. Loss of circulation can be just as damaging as the sprain itself. Elevating the damaged joint will also stop some of the swelling.
While most sprains heal fully with time and care, some very sever sprains can cause lasting problems. Some more serious sprains could cause impaired mobility and pain for extended periods of time. In a worst-case scenario, surgery may even be necessary to fully recover.
Part of rehabilitating a damaged ligament is exercise. This will restore strength and elasticity to the joint. Regular, controlled exercise is essential to the full recovery of any injury. When exercising your sprain, however, always follow the advice of medical experts to assure a speedy recovery.
About the Author:
James K Zane is a exercise and health enthusiast. To improve the enjoyment of physical activity for everyone, he has collected a website about sprains here. Follow this link to learn the answer to What is a sprain?.
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