The quick answer is that a sprain is an abnormal stretching or tearing of a ligament or ligaments. Ligaments are tough bands of fibrous tissue that connect bones in a joint. Although sprain is commonly confused with the term strain, this is actually incorrect.
Strains refer to injuries of tendons, the elastic tissue that attaches muscles to bones. Both sprains and strains are relatively common injuries that affect everyone from professional athletes to weekend warriors. Ankle sprains are one of the most common injuries known. A sprain is not just limited to the ankle joint; a sprain can occur in any joint that sustains stress. You can get a sprained foot, shoulder, wrist, or knee. Ligament sprains can be broken down into three categories:
Grade 1: The ligament is stretched, but not torn.
Grade 2: The ligament is partially torn.
Grade 3: The ligament is completely torn or ruptured.
A sprain is different than a strain. A strain a stretching or tearing that occurs in muscles or tendons.
Difference in a Strain vs. a Sprain
Sprains can occur for many reasons. A sprain usually comes from forceful overstretching of a joint. This can include:
Certain factors may also contribute to an increased risk of injury in individuals. These can include:
Not Warming Up: Stretching and other warming exercises increase motion. This can help protect against injury.
Not checking the Weather: Rain, sleet, or snow may make surfaces slippery or uneven, increasing the risk of injury.
Fatigue: Tired muscles provide less support for your joints; mentally, a lack of concentration may make it more likely for you to get injured
Ankle Sprain
Diagnosis of a sprain can typically be determined by taking a history of the injury. Your MD may ask you questions about how the injury occurred. Depending on the situation and severity, an x-ray or MRI may be taken to confirm the diagnosis or to rule out other injuries. The sprain will then be graded on how much damage has occurred to the ligament.
A grade 1 or 2 sprain may resolve itself with time. Physical therapy may be required depending on injury location.
Grade 3 sprains may require surgical intervention followed by physical therapy for full recovery.
NSAIDs: (Anti-inflammatory medications) may be helpful in reducing pain and inflammation in the area.
RICE: (Rest, Ice, Compression, Elevation) is key to initial treatment.
Taping and bracing can be used to help add additional support to any given joint. However, these solutions may be temporary. It is important that any individual not become dependent on the assistance for more effective, permanent results.
Doing Strength and balance exercises can help you to adapt while exercising. This can help prevent sprains.
Related Articles:
Watch these Basic Ankle Exercises that can help you to strengthen your ankle and potentially avoid Injury!
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