Sprain

Diagnosis

There are different ways to diagnose a sprain, including:

• Physical examination: The injured limb will be examined by the healthcare provider for swelling, range of motion, stability of the joint, and pain. The source and degree of discomfort can provide information as to the size and type of injury.
• Imaging test: X-rays can be used to help rule out a fracture or other type of bone injury as the problems cause. An X-ray cannot show a ligament, but it might still be useful to examine the joint spacing and rule out fractures. To determine the severity of the injury, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) may also be utilized.

Treatment

Patient are advised to try R.I.C.E. as an initial treatment at home.

• Rest: It is recommended to avoid any activities that could cause pain, discomfort, or any swelling, however some activities could still be done by the patient. Changes in routine are necessary after an injury like a sprain to allow the injured area to heal.
• Ice: Patient should apply ice pack to the affected area for at least 15-20 minutes and should be repeated every 2 to 3 hours. Use a cold pack, ice bag, or plastic bag with ice inside that is covered in a towel. Applying ice for more than 20 minutes at a time might cause frost bite and other cold-related injuries. Stop icing as soon as you begin to experience numbness or discomfort.
• Compression: Compress the area with an elastic bandage until the swelling subsides to help stop it. Avoid wrapping it too tightly to avoid restricting blood flow. At the end that is furthest from the heart, start wrapping. If the discomfort worsens, the area goes numb, or swelling develops below the wrapped area, remove the bandage.
• Elevation: Particularly at night, elevate the damaged area so that it is above the level of the heart. This will allow gravity to help reduce swelling.
• Medication: Ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin IB, among others) and acetaminophen (Tylenol, among others) are two over-the-counter painkillers that can be therapeutic.

After the initial two days, the patient may gradually resume using the damaged area. The ability of the joint to sustain the patient’s weight or allow them to move painlessly should gradually and steadily improve. Sprain recovery may take a few days to several months.

• Physical therapy: Injured joints or limbs can benefit from increased stability and strength through physical therapy. A brace or splint may be recommended by the healthcare provider to the patient in order to immobilize the area. Surgery may be considered for certain ailments, such as a torn ligament.

To prevent the injured joint from becoming stiff, the therapist will provide the patient with a home exercise program and teach them some exercises. They will gradually increase the intensity of strength and balance exercises until the patient is able to return to their pre-injury level of activity (in cases of ankle and knee sprains). Physical therapy can facilitate a safe return to exercise and sports programs, as well as improve the strength of the injured joint beyond its previous level. Physical therapy is strongly recommended for patients who have repeatedly sprained an ankle or who were immobilized during the recovery period to reduce the risk of future injury.