What is a Sprain?
A sprain occurs due to overstretching or tearing of a ligament (fibrous tissue connecting two bones) caused by a sudden or severe twist.
What Parts of the Body Can Sprain?
Sprains usually happen in areas of the body which have movement. Common types of sprains are known as Big Toes or “turf toe”, Ankle sprains, Fingers Jamming, Knee injuries (ACL, PCL, LCL and MCL), Sprained thumbs and Wrist sprains. Big toe sprains are common in football, wrestling, gymnastics, and other sports. Ankle sprains are the next most common sprains injured during sports. Fingers “Jamming” occurs in the fingers, when you bend the fingers back too far. Knee injuries occur in the ligaments of the knee (ACL, PCL, LCL, and MCL) during sports, especially basketball and football. Wrist sprains usually occur among athletes due to falling on an outstretched hand. Sprained thumbs is a common skiing injury and is also known as “skier’s thumb.”
What is Ligament?
A ligament is a short, tough band of fibrous connective tissue that connects your bones to other bones around various joints in the body. A ligament typically holds your joints in place and prevents certain movements. It is unlike a tendon, which attaches muscle to bone and is springier. Ligaments are somewhat like rubber bands. They are tough but have elastic qualities, which helps them to stretch or tear when injured.
What is the Difference Between a Sprain and a Strain?
A sprain refers to the overstretching or tearing of Ligaments, whereas a strain refers to the stretching or tearing of Muscles or Tendons. Very often the symptoms for both Sprains and Strains are similar. Typically Sprains occur in ankles and wrists while Strains occur more frequently in the low back and hamstring.
What Causes a Sprain?
A sprain occurs when you move the joint beyond its normal range of motion. There are many common causes of sprains like Walking, running, or jogging on an uneven surface, Turning sharply or pivoting during sports, a direct hit on the joint or Falling on an outstretched hand.
How Bad Can A Sprain Be?
Sprains range in severity from mild to severe and there are three different degrees of sprains: First-degree Sprain is Mild, Second-degree Sprain is Moderate and the Third-degree is severe. In a first-degree sprain, the fibers of the ligament are stretched and may tear slightly. The ligament is still intact. There are swelling and pain but the joint feels stable. In a second-degree sprain, the ligament fibers are partially torn but still intact. The joint is tender and swollen and will feel loose. In a third-degree sprain, the fibers of the ligament are completely torn (rupture). This level of the sprain can feel like a broken bone, making it nearly impossible to put any weight on the joint.
What are the Signs and Symptoms of a Sprain?
There may be a variety of symptoms of a sprain, depending on the severity of the sprain. Symptoms include Pain, Swelling, Tenderness, Bruising, Looseness in the joint, Unable to move the joint and Hearing or feeling a “pop” during the injury. If you experience muscle spasms and are unable to move the affected muscles, then it is most likely a muscle strain, not a sprain.
Will a Sprain Heal On Its Own?
It has been observed that people who have suffered a sprain are 70% more likely to sprain the same ligament again. So while home remedies can ease symptoms and help you recover, the ligaments can be weakened, making you more likely to sprain it again.
Can You Prevent a Sprain?
Yes, a Sprain can be prevented. The best way to prevent a sprain is to keep yourself in good physical condition. Stretching and strengthening exercises should be done regularly as part of an overall fitness plan. If you are a sportsperson or have a physically demanding job, speak to a physiotherapist in Scarborough or Woodbridge, about the best exercises for your activities.
Are you looking for physiotherapy or a Chiropractor? If Yes, then visit Simply Align Rehab Physio in Scarborough/Toronto or Woodbridge/Vaughan or you can always call or text us for your Physiotherapy or Chiropractor needs in Toronto at (416) 438-3230 or For Physiotherapy or Chiropractor need in Vaughan (Woodbridge) at (905) 638-9840.
Do You Need to See a Doctor About a Sprain?
Have you sprained a ligament or suffered a severe injury? You may need an appointment with your doctor right away. If you have any of the following symptoms, then you might have a serious problem. Unable to walk more than a few steps without significant pain, Unable to move the injured joint, Have any numbness in the injured limb or Suffering from pain directly over the bones of the affected joint?
How are Sprains Treated?
Mild sprains can be treated at home and physiotherapy will help you to recover fully. If the sprain is mild to moderate, sprain symptoms can be eased at home using the RICE protocol. Rest the injury for 24 hours, (avoiding activities that can further injure or aggravate the joint). Ice the injured area one to three times a day (15 to 20 minutes each time). Compression to be used to control swelling by applying a compression bandage. Elevation of the limb above the level of the heart to help relieves swelling. After trying all these at-home remedies, if your sprain symptoms do not improve, consult a physiotherapist in Scarborough or Woodbridge for a custom treatment plan.
Physiotherapy is generally recommended to help strengthen the affected area and prevent future injury and low back pain. Once you sprain a ligament, it becomes weak and unstable, increasing your chances of spraining the same area again and again. Based on the condition of the sprain and its severity, a physiotherapist may recommend a Personalized exercise plan, Manual therapy, Range of motion and flexibility exercises, Balance and control exercises, Stretching and strengthening exercises, and Tapping or bracing the affected area. At our clinic we have noticed by using Simply Align Technique which includes advanced physical modalities, activity modification, and specific exercises we have faster, longer-lasting results with reduced healing time.
