Ligament Sprain
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Introduction[edit | edit source]
A sprain is an injury to the band ie ligament, which connects two or more bones to a joint. A sprain is usually caused by the joint being forced suddenly outside its usual range of movement and the inelastic fibres are stretched through too great a range. A severe sprain may look and feel like a break (fracture), and it can be difficult for health professionals to tell the difference between the two[1].
A sprain can range from mild (tearing of just a few fibres) to severe (complete rupture of the ligament, leading to joint instability).
The severity of a sprain is graded according to how badly the ligament has been damaged and whether or not the joint has been made unstable. The joint can become unstable when the damaged ligament is no longer able to give it the normal support[1]:
- Grade I - mild stretching of the ligament without joint instability.
- Grade II - partial tear (rupture) of the ligament but without joint instability (or with mild instability).
- Grade III - a severe sprain: complete rupture of the ligament with instability of the joint.
Mild to moderate sprains are treated conservatively and normally heal after 6 weeks.
Management of ligament sprains includes first aid immediately post-injury (RICE), tissue healing modalities, joint movement to prevent stiffness, massage and muscle strengthening. Complete (severe) ruptures of ligaments may include surgery to repair or reconstruct the ligament.
Compare to muscle strain
References[edit | edit source]
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 Patient Sprains and Strains 2018. Available from: https://patient.info/bones-joints-muscles/sports-injuries/sprains-and-strains (last accessed 5.12.2019)
