Understanding Sprains: Causes, Symptoms, Treatment, and Recovery

What is Sprain

A sprain is a stretched or torn ligament, which is the soft tissue that connects two bones together at a joint. This can happen from a fall, twist, or blow to the body Ankle sprain, knee sprain, and wrist sprain are some of the common ligament injuries.
A sprain is caused by an injury that stresses a joint and overstretches or even ruptures supporting ligaments

Risk factors of Sprain

• Athletes
• History of prior sprains
• Overweight
• People who are starting physical activity or exercise programs for the first time
• People with neurologic problems
• People with balance disorders.

Pathophysiology

The pathophysiology of a sprain involves damage to the ligament and the surrounding tissues. When a ligament is stretched or torn, it causes inflammation and swelling in the affected area. This leads to pain, tenderness, and reduced mobility of the joint.

Signs & Symptoms of Sprain

• Pain
• Swelling
• Bruising
• Loss of power when moving the affected joint
• Inability to move the joints
• Instability
• Joint pain

Grades of sprain

A sprain can range from mild to severe and are classified into the following three (3) grades:

First degree (mildest) sprains

• Happens when there is overstretch or slightly tear ligaments
• Minimal pain and swelling.
• Little or no loss of functional ability.
• Slight or no bruising.
• Little trouble putting weight on the affected joint.

Second degree sprains

This happens when the tears going further

• Bruising
• Moderate pain
• Swelling
• Difficulty putting weight on the joint
• Some loss of function.

Third-degree (most severe) sprains

Occurs in case of complete tear or rupture of a ligament. Usually, people are unable to put weight on the joint and have the following symptoms:

• Severe pain
• Severe swelling
• Severe bruising

Diagnostic Investigations of Sprain

• History taking
• Physical examination of the area of injury
• X-ray
• Magnetic Resonance Imaging
• Bone scanning test

Management of Sprain

• Analgesics (e.g. acetaminophen) to facilitate close reduction
• Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory agents (e.g. ibuprofen, naproxen)

Nursing care of Sprain

The goals of acute treatment are to control pain, minimize swelling, and maintain or regain ROM.

1. Assess and evaluate the level of injury
2. Ensure patient have relative rest to promote healing
3. Relative rest is advocated, because it promotes tissue healing.
4. Educate the patient and family members to look out for danger signs and symptoms when exercising to prevent further injuries
5. Advise the patient to avoid activities that cause increased pain or swelling.
6. Advise the patient to avoid activities that cause increased pain or swelling.
7. Encourage patients to take their ankle out of their brace and move it through a pain-free ROM.
8. Use ice to control swelling, pain, and muscle spasm.
9. Encourage elevation of the injured ankle to facilitate the reduction of swelling.
10. Restrict the activity and cut back on regular exercises and activities of daily living.
11. Apply an ice pack to the injured area for 10-15 minutes every two or three hours.
12. Use an elastic compression bandage to wrap the affected area to reduce swelling.
13. Protect the area of concern from further injury by trying to immobilize the area

Preventions of Sprain

1. Use protective gear during high-impact sport
2. Avoid wearing high-heeled shoes
3. Always warm-up and stretch before doing exercise and sports
4. Maintain muscle strength and flexibility.
5. Wear protective footwear during activities that place stress on the ankle and other joints.
6. Make sure that shoes fit the feet properly.