As you know if you've ever sprained a wrist or ankle, not all sprains are equal. In fact, there are three distinct grades of sprains. The three grades of sprains go from a first grade sprain (the mildest) to the third grade sprain (very severe).
The grade or degree of sprain indicates how badly stretched or torn the ligaments are as a result of injury. A ligament is a band of flexible connective tissue that hold a joint together while allowing it to move. Ligaments are distinct from tendons, which are the connective tissues that adhere muscles and bones together. Sprains are their own class of injury, defined as a stretching or tearing of ligaments.
Differences in Treatment of Grades of Sprains
Each of the three grades of sprains has its own requirements for treatment. Due to the complexity of the joints, however, self-diagnosis and treatment isn't recommended. This is the case even for apparently minor injuries. The RICE method of caring for the sprain is generally considered the most effective immediate and medium-term treatment. RICE stands for Rest, Ice, Compression, and Elevation. Each has a part to play in alleviating a sprains symptoms. The purpose of RICE is primarily to prevent swelling, thus preventing the discomfort as well as facilitating healing.
Grade 1 Sprain
The first degree of sprain severity is grade one. It refers to a ligament that has been slightly over-stretched. While potentially painful, these sprains aren't likely to result in long-term problems. With a little rest and the RICE method, they tend to recover quickly.
Mild sprains are probably the most common injury. Anytime a joint bends or twists too much, it's likely to hurt. Twisting an ankle walking down the stairs or stepping off the curb. Jammed fingers -the kind that are difficult to bend for a few days - could also be sprains.
Grade 2 Sprain
These are sprains of a medium severity. Second degree sprains generally heal completely. Being more serious, however, they are more painful and take longer to heal. The defining characteristic of these sprains is that the ligament has been damaged, but not fully torn or ruptured.
These sprains usually need two to a month to get better. Every sprain is different, though, so other factors like care and diet can contribute. Sprains weaken the ligaments, though, so it's best to wait until the joint fully recovers before returning to routine activities. Most medical professionals recommend the RICE method for immediate care, with physiotherapy exercises to follow.
Grade 3 Sprain
A third degree sprain is by far the most serious. It means that the injured ligament is completely torn or ruptured. The pain is typically excruciating, and following the injury the joint may become completely immobilized. Thankfully for the average citizen, these injuries are far more common among athletes involved in contact sports. For the unfortunate athlete, however, third degree sprains can result in career-ending damage.
It's often necessary to have grade 3 sprains surgically repaired. These sprains will almost always require months to heal, however, even with expert care. Prevention is better than cure with these sprains, though, as they can sometimes be a chronic problem for some time.
The grade or degree of sprain indicates how badly stretched or torn the ligaments are as a result of injury. A ligament is a band of flexible connective tissue that hold a joint together while allowing it to move. Ligaments are distinct from tendons, which are the connective tissues that adhere muscles and bones together. Sprains are their own class of injury, defined as a stretching or tearing of ligaments.
Differences in Treatment of Grades of Sprains
Each of the three grades of sprains has its own requirements for treatment. Due to the complexity of the joints, however, self-diagnosis and treatment isn't recommended. This is the case even for apparently minor injuries. The RICE method of caring for the sprain is generally considered the most effective immediate and medium-term treatment. RICE stands for Rest, Ice, Compression, and Elevation. Each has a part to play in alleviating a sprains symptoms. The purpose of RICE is primarily to prevent swelling, thus preventing the discomfort as well as facilitating healing.
Grade 1 Sprain
The first degree of sprain severity is grade one. It refers to a ligament that has been slightly over-stretched. While potentially painful, these sprains aren't likely to result in long-term problems. With a little rest and the RICE method, they tend to recover quickly.
Mild sprains are probably the most common injury. Anytime a joint bends or twists too much, it's likely to hurt. Twisting an ankle walking down the stairs or stepping off the curb. Jammed fingers -the kind that are difficult to bend for a few days - could also be sprains.
Grade 2 Sprain
These are sprains of a medium severity. Second degree sprains generally heal completely. Being more serious, however, they are more painful and take longer to heal. The defining characteristic of these sprains is that the ligament has been damaged, but not fully torn or ruptured.
These sprains usually need two to a month to get better. Every sprain is different, though, so other factors like care and diet can contribute. Sprains weaken the ligaments, though, so it's best to wait until the joint fully recovers before returning to routine activities. Most medical professionals recommend the RICE method for immediate care, with physiotherapy exercises to follow.
Grade 3 Sprain
A third degree sprain is by far the most serious. It means that the injured ligament is completely torn or ruptured. The pain is typically excruciating, and following the injury the joint may become completely immobilized. Thankfully for the average citizen, these injuries are far more common among athletes involved in contact sports. For the unfortunate athlete, however, third degree sprains can result in career-ending damage.
It's often necessary to have grade 3 sprains surgically repaired. These sprains will almost always require months to heal, however, even with expert care. Prevention is better than cure with these sprains, though, as they can sometimes be a chronic problem for some time.
About the Author:
To find out more about sprains, please visit AllAboutSprains.Com and read some of our posts on the subject. If you or someone you know has a sprain, please see the RICE method.
No comments:
Post a Comment