Sprains/Strains
What is a sprain?
A sprain is an injury that occurs when a ligament is stretched too far or torn. Ligaments are the tough bands of tissue that connect bone to bone and keep your joints stable. Sprains can occur in any joint; however, they are most common in the ankle, wrist, knee, and thumb following trauma. This trauma can be twisting an ankle wrong, falling on an outstretched hand, landing wrong on a jump, pivoting too hard, and more.
Grades
- Grade 1: (mild) The ligament is stretched but not torn; a few weeks of recovery time
- Grade 2: (moderate)The ligament is partially torn; 4-6 weeks recovery time
- Grade 3: (severe) The ligament is completely torn, surgery is not always needed however if it is then the sprain is normally grade 3; several months recovery time
Common symptoms
- Pain
- Swelling
- Bruising and discoloration
- Stiffness
- Trouble moving or putting weight on the joint
- A popping sensation or sound at the time of injury
When to see a doctor
See a doctor if you can’t move the joint, stand on it, have numbness, or if the pain sits directly on a bone
Sprains vs. strains
A sprain is an injury to a ligament, which connects bone to bone, while a strain is an injury to a muscle or tendon, which connects muscle to bone
Recovery
NSAIDs (e.g. ibuprofen) and RICE (rest, ice, compress, elevate) can commonly be used to help treat pain and inflammation in the most common sprains
For more specific information, please see individual sports