Sprain

Causes and symptoms of sprains

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What is a sprain?

A sprain is an injury that is a tear of ligament fibers due to excessive tension. The total anatomical continuity of the tissue is maintained. The damage can be as one, and multiple bundles at the same time. The most common sites of sprains – ankle, knee or wrist joints. Can happen complete ligament rupture or even gap from where they attach to the bone.

The causes of sprains

The main cause of sprain are sudden movements in the joint, which exceed his physical capabilities. This injury can be obtained at the workplace and at home, on the street or at home, at the stadium and in the gym. This can be a sudden awkward movement of the body, a slip, a sprain, a bad landing after a jump, a fall on the arm or on an outstretched leg. In such cases, the joint loses its normal position and the ligament that supports it, it can be stretched or torn.

Often, a sprain occurs during active sports, especially various types of wrestling, tennis, basketball, football.

The number of victims increases in winter period due to ice.

The symptoms of sprain

A sprain can be identified with the appearance of pain and redness at the site of injury. When touched or pressure is applied the pain is worse.

In the area of stretching occurs swelling. It can worsen and turn into swelling. From hemorrhage from the small vessels under the skin sometimes appears a bruise. Because of the injury to the ligament in the joint is a sharp and significant restriction of his mobility. The danger of such injuries is that the symptoms are worse with time. If from trauma seemed easy, then a few hours to move becomes much more difficult.

Divided sprains into three groups according to severity.

Moderate grade is characterized by slight pain due to the rupture of a few fibers of the ligament. When the average degree of damage observed swelling and pain in the damaged spot, and a disability of the joint. Third degree – complete rupture with subsequent joint instability, which is manifested severe pain.

Treatment of sprains

If you suspect a stretching of the ligaments is recommended to take measures on the spot. This limit of motion of the affected joint, protect the limb from possible serious damage. With this, you can use a variety of means such as, for example, a splint or crutches. To fix the damaged area will also help elastic bandage or a bandage. Most effectively be tubular compression bandage or a compression bandage.

Immediately after the injury, try to cool the injured area. To reduce swelling and pain, apply to the joint cold compress or briefly immerse the limb in an ice bath. The cold will help to constrict blood vessels and reduce subcutaneous edema or hemorrhage.

The damaged area should be kept elevated by placing a cushion, pillow or blanket.

A few days after the injury you should begin to massage, physical therapy and thermal procedures (ozokerite, paraffin). The heat will accelerate the resorption of edema, increase blood flow to the affected area, and the tissue quickly recovers.

Effective treatment for sprains – local therapy anti-inflammatory drugs (non-steroidal gels and ointments). In addition, it is important to maintain blood circulation in the damaged tissues. Suitable electrophoresis or special medications that improve blood circulation.

In order not to repeat sprain in the same place, it is advisable to stick to home mode at least a week.

With this damage it is not necessary to refuse physical activity, the main thing – follow the load the damaged limb.

Very useful are exercises in the pool. Swimming relieves stress on the spine and accelerate the strengthening of a muscular corset. If in water to add brine (therapeutic agent, which is a waste product of the microorganisms living in the mud sediments of some lakes), the effect will increase. Brine has analgesic and anti-inflammatory effect on the damaged joint tissue.

Be careful! If within several days the pain does not pass, the joint is deformed, and when pressed appears a sharp pain (for example, when the victim comes on the injured leg or is based on a stretched hand), chances of dislocation, fracture or ligament rupture. In this case, it will require medical intervention. The surgeon will clarify the diagnosis, assess the extent of damage and prescribe appropriate treatment. May require x-ray examination and subsequent imposition of a plaster bandage for secure fixation of the joint.

When rupture of the ligamentneeded surgical treatment of wounds and the connection torn ligaments or tendons. In addition, you will receive detailed information about the rules of the expansion of motor mode and, if necessary, will be assigned to safe pain relievers and ointments, physical therapy. Accurate compliance with medical recommendations will allow you to quickly return to work, maintain normal physical activity.