Ligaments are the strong bands of fibrous tissue that join two bones in your joints; a sprain is an extension or tearing of these bands. Ankle sprains occur most frequently in this area.
Rest, ice, compression, and elevation are all part of the initial treatment. You can effectively treat mild sprains at home. Surgery may be necessary to repair torn ligaments in cases of severe sprains.
A strain, on the other hand, involves damage to a muscle or to the band of tissue that connects a muscle to a bone, whereas a sprain affects the bands of tissue that divide two bones.
Symptoms
Depending on the extent of the injury, there may be a variety of signs and symptoms, such as:
- Anguish
- Bloating
- Bruising
- Restricted range of motion in the injured joint
- Experiencing a “pop” in your joint at the moment of the damage
When to visit the physician
You can treat mild sprains at home. However, sprain-causing injuries can also result in more severe injuries like fractures. Consult a physician if you:
- Incapable of moving or bearing weight on the injured joint
- Experience discomfort directly over the damaged joint’s bones
- Experience numbness in any affected area.
Causes
When you severely stress a joint and overextend or tear a ligament, you get a sprain. Sprains frequently happen in the following situations:
- Ankle: Stumbling when exercising or walking on uneven ground, or tripping and falling awkwardly
- Knee: Turning while participating in sports
- Wrist: If you fall and land on an outstretched hand
- Thumb: Overextension or skiing injury during racquet sports like tennis
Near the ends of their bones, children have growth plates—areas of softer tissue. Children are more likely to suffer a fracture than a sprain because the ligaments surrounding a joint are frequently stronger than these growth plates.
Risk factors
Sprains can result from the following factors:
Situational factors. Uneven or slippery surfaces can increase your risk of injury.
Weary. Your muscles are less likely to support your joints well when they are fatigued. You also have a higher chance of giving in to pressures that could strain a joint when you’re exhausted.
Inadequate apparatus. Your chance of suffering a sprain can be increased by wearing athletic footwear that fits poorly or is not properly maintained.
Prevention
As part of a comprehensive physical conditioning programme, regular stretching and strengthening exercises for your sport, fitness routine, or job activity can help to reduce your risk of sprains. Rather than playing your sport to get in shape, try to be in shape to play it. Regular conditioning can help prevent injuries if your job requires a lot of physical exertion.
By attempting to strengthen and condition the muscles surrounding the injured joint, you can help protect your joints over time. You are the best brace maker for yourself; put some effort into creating a “muscle brace.” Consult your physician about suitable exercises for stability and conditioning. Additionally, wear supportive and protective footwear.
