A sprain happens when a ligament is stretched beyond its limits. Sprains are a very common kind of joint injury with many thousands of individuals seeking treatment for new injuries each day. Sprains are particularly common in sports. In tennis, a player stretches his or her leg too far to reach for a passing ball. You could set a foot wrong while running. These include normal athletic injuries. You'll need to be extra careful beginning an workout regime, too. The ligaments aren't accustomed to the load. Everyday living can be just as packed with hazards. Reaching to the top shelf or twisting an ankle heading down some steps are equally likely to produce 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.
After a sprain, it's important to allow the joint to rest for a short time. This is to prevent further injury. If at all possible, wait for help where you are. Attempting first aid by yourself could do more damage than just resting a bit. Particularly in a sprained ankle or knee, it's especially important to keep your weight off the injury. Ice - a bag of ice or a cold pack - is also an important step to stopping the onset of swelling. But do take care to see that it should be kept to a minimum to facilitate healing.
Compression will help to reduce pain and give support to the affected part (there are many elastic wraps available). While firm compression is helpful to the injured joint, it's also important not to cut off circulation. Cutting off blood flow will severely restrict the recovery process. Placing the affected limb on a raised structure such as a stool also helps to prevent swelling.
Common sprains are cured with some rest and external pain relievers, but some sprains contracted on sports activities are really of serious nature. In a game like rugby, when there is a sprain to the knee and the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) is injured, there is a risk of disability.
Like rest, it is important to exercise the affected joint as soon as possible to regain the strength of the joint. There may be a bracing or taping at the affected joint for support, but to get back the normal movement and strength it is important to give exercise the joint after a sprain as per to the advice of the medical personnel.
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.
After a sprain, it's important to allow the joint to rest for a short time. This is to prevent further injury. If at all possible, wait for help where you are. Attempting first aid by yourself could do more damage than just resting a bit. Particularly in a sprained ankle or knee, it's especially important to keep your weight off the injury. Ice - a bag of ice or a cold pack - is also an important step to stopping the onset of swelling. But do take care to see that it should be kept to a minimum to facilitate healing.
Compression will help to reduce pain and give support to the affected part (there are many elastic wraps available). While firm compression is helpful to the injured joint, it's also important not to cut off circulation. Cutting off blood flow will severely restrict the recovery process. Placing the affected limb on a raised structure such as a stool also helps to prevent swelling.
Common sprains are cured with some rest and external pain relievers, but some sprains contracted on sports activities are really of serious nature. In a game like rugby, when there is a sprain to the knee and the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) is injured, there is a risk of disability.
Like rest, it is important to exercise the affected joint as soon as possible to regain the strength of the joint. There may be a bracing or taping at the affected joint for support, but to get back the normal movement and strength it is important to give exercise the joint after a sprain as per to the advice of the medical personnel.
About the Author:
James K Zane is a fitness and wellness nut. To enhance physical activity for everyone, he has compiled a website about sprains here. Follow this link to learn the answer to What is a sprain?.
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