Sprains: Types, Causes, Prevention, Diagnosis, Treatment

Sprains are injuries to ligaments, the tough bands of tissue that connect bones and provide stability to joints. Sprains occur when these ligaments are stretched beyond their normal range of motion or torn. The most common type of sprain occurs in the ankle, when the foot is twisted or turned outward or any other uncomfortable way, resulting in a tear of the lateral ligaments on the outside of the ankle. Foot sprains can be very painful and usually require medical attention to reduce swelling, improve mobility and prevent further damage to other structures in the joint. They can also cause long-term problems if not treated properly such as instability and chronic pain. Proper treatment may include rest, immobilization, physical therapy, anti-inflammatory medications and/or surgery, depending on the severity of the injury. Please keep reading for details on the following topics:

Types of sprains

Causes of sprains

How to prevent sprains

Diagnosis of sprains

Symptoms of sprains

Treatment of sprains

Types of sprains

Ankle Sprain: The most common type of sprain, typically occurring when the foot is twisted or turned outward, leading to injury to the ligaments on the outside of the ankle.
Wrist Sprain: Involves injury to the ligaments in the wrist, often caused by a fall onto an outstretched hand or sudden impact to the wrist.
Thumb Sprain: Occurs when the thumb is forcefully bent backward, injuring the ligaments at the base of the thumb, commonly seen in sports or activities involving grasping.
Back Sprain: Involves injury to the ligaments supporting the spine, often caused by lifting heavy objects improperly or sudden twisting movements.
Elbow Sprain: Involves injury to the ligaments around the elbow joint, commonly seen in activities involving repetitive elbow movements or sudden impacts.
Hamstring Sprain: Involves injury to the muscles and ligaments at the back of the thigh, often seen in sports that involve running, jumping, or sudden changes in direction.
Foot Sprain: Refers to sprains occurring in the midfoot or forefoot, often caused by sudden twisting movements or direct impact to the foot.
Knee Sprain: Involves injury to the ligaments around the knee joint, such as the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) or medial collateral ligament (MCL), commonly seen in sports or activities involving twisting or direct blows to the knee.

Causes of sprains

Causes of sprains typically involve sudden or excessive force applied to a joint, leading to stretching or tearing of the ligaments that support the joint. Here are common causes:

Fall: Tripping, slipping, or falling can result in awkward landings and sudden twisting or bending of joints, leading to sprains.
Abnormal landing on a limb: Landing forcefully on a limb, especially during athletic activities like jumping or gymnastics, can cause excessive strain on ligaments, resulting in sprains.
Walking or exercising on an uneven surface: Uneven terrain can lead to instability and sudden movements, increasing the risk of twisting or rolling an ankle or other joints.
Being accidentally stepped on by someone else: Direct impact or pressure on a joint from another person’s foot or object can cause injury to the ligaments.
Participating in sports: Sports activities that involve sudden changes in direction, jumping, or physical contact increase the risk of sprains, especially in areas like ankles, knees, and wrists.
Jumping: High-impact activities like jumping or leaping can put excessive stress on the joints, leading to sprains, particularly in the ankles and knees.
Dancing: Certain dance movements or routines may involve quick pivoting, twisting, or jumping, increasing the risk of sprains, especially in the ankles and knees.
Catching an object: Attempting to catch a ball or other object may result in sudden movements or impacts that strain the ligaments.
Lifting a heavy object: Lifting heavy objects with improper technique or using excessive force can lead to sprains, particularly in the back or wrists.
Wearing improper shoes: Wearing shoes with inadequate support or high heels can affect stability and increase the risk of ankle or foot sprains.

How to prevent sprains

Preventing sprains involves taking proactive measures to reduce the risk of injury to ligaments and joints. Here are some strategies for preventing sprains:

Warm-up before exercising: Engage in dynamic stretches and light aerobic exercises to increase blood flow to muscles and improve flexibility, reducing the risk of sprains during physical activity.
Use proper technique: Practice correct form and technique when participating in sports, exercise, or daily activities to minimize the strain on ligaments and joints.
Wear appropriate footwear: Choose shoes that provide adequate support, stability, and cushioning for the specific activity or sport, and replace worn-out shoes regularly to maintain proper foot alignment and reduce the risk of ankle and foot sprains.
Strengthen muscles: Incorporate strength training exercises into your fitness routine to strengthen muscles around joints, providing added support and stability to prevent sprains.
Improve balance and proprioception: Incorporate balance and stability exercises, such as single leg stands or balance boards, to enhance proprioception and neuromuscular control, reducing the risk of falls and sprains.
Avoid overexertion: Gradually increase the intensity, duration, and frequency of physical activity to prevent overuse injuries and fatigue, which can increase the risk of sprains.
Use protective equipment: Wear appropriate protective gear, such as helmets, knee pads, or ankle braces, during sports or activities with a high risk of injury to reduce the impact force and provide additional support to vulnerable joints.
Be cautious on uneven surfaces: Take care when walking, running, or exercising on uneven or unstable surfaces to avoid missteps and ankle rolls that can lead to sprains.
Maintain a healthy weight: Maintain a healthy body weight through a balanced diet and regular exercise to reduce excess stress on joints and ligaments, lowering the risk of sprains.
Listen to your body: Pay attention to signs of fatigue, discomfort, or pain during physical activity, and take breaks or modify activities as needed to prevent overexertion and reduce the risk of injury.

How sprains are diagnosed

Sprains are typically diagnosed through a combination of medical history, physical examination, and diagnostic tests. Here’s how sprains are diagnosed:

Medical history: The healthcare provider will ask about the circumstances surrounding the injury, including when and how it occurred, as well as any symptoms experienced since the injury. They may inquire about previous injuries or medical conditions that could affect the current injury.
Physical examination: The healthcare provider will conduct a thorough physical examination to assess the affected area. They will look for signs of swelling, bruising, tenderness, and instability. They may also perform specific maneuvers to evaluate the range of motion, strength, and stability of the injured joint.
Diagnostic tests: In some cases, diagnostic tests may be ordered to confirm the diagnosis or assess the severity of the injury. These may include:
- X-ray: X-rays can help detect fractures or dislocations that may accompany a sprain, especially in cases of severe trauma or suspicion of a more serious injury.
- MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging): An MRI may be recommended to assess soft tissue damage, such as ligament tears or tendon injuries, which may not be visible on X-rays.
- CT scan (Computed Tomography): CT scans may be used to provide detailed images of bones and joints, particularly in cases where X-rays are inconclusive or when assessing for associated injuries.
- Ultrasound: Ultrasound imaging may be used to evaluate soft tissue injuries, such as ligament or tendon tears, and assess for signs of inflammation or fluid accumulation in the affected area.

Symptoms of a sprain

Symptoms of a sprain vary depending on the severity of the injury and the affected area. Here are common symptoms associated with sprains:

Pain: Pain is often the first and most noticeable symptom of a sprain. The pain may be sharp or dull and can vary in intensity depending on the severity of the injury.
Tenderness: The affected area may be tender to the touch, and pressure on the injured ligament may exacerbate the pain.
Swelling: Swelling occurs as a result of inflammation in the injured ligament. The affected area may appear swollen, puffy, or visibly larger than usual.
Bruising: Bruising, or discoloration of the skin, may develop around the injured area due to blood leaking from damaged blood vessels.
Limited range of motion: Sprains can restrict movement in the affected joint or limb, causing stiffness and difficulty moving the injured area.
Instability: Severe sprains may result in joint instability, causing the affected joint to feel loose or wobbly. This instability may make it difficult to bear weight or perform activities that involve the injured joint.
Popping sensation or sound: Some individuals may hear or feel a popping or tearing sensation at the time of injury, particularly in cases of severe sprains involving ligament tears.
Difficulty bearing weight: Sprains in weight-bearing joints, such as the ankle or knee, may make it difficult or painful to put weight on the injured limb.
Muscle spasms: In response to the injury, muscles surrounding the affected area may contract involuntarily, causing muscle spasms or cramps.
Heat or warmth: The injured area may feel warm to the touch due to increased blood flow and inflammation associated with the sprain.

How sprains are treated

The treatment for sprains depends on the severity of the injury and the affected area. Here are common approaches to treating sprains:

Rest: Resting the injured area is crucial to allow the ligaments to heal properly. Avoiding activities that exacerbate pain or strain the injured joint helps prevent further damage.
Ice: Applying ice to the injured area helps reduce pain, swelling, and inflammation. Use an ice pack wrapped in a thin cloth for 15-20 minutes every 2-3 hours during the first 48 hours following the injury.
Compression: Wrapping the injured area with an elastic bandage provides support, reduces swelling, and stabilizes the joint. Be sure not to wrap too tightly, as this can impede circulation.
Elevation: Elevating the injured limb above heart level helps reduce swelling by promoting fluid drainage back to the heart. Prop up the affected limb with pillows or cushions whenever possible.
Pain medication: Over-the-counter pain relievers such as ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) or acetaminophen (Tylenol) can help alleviate pain and reduce inflammation. Follow the dosage instructions and precautions provided on the medication packaging.
Immobilization: In some cases, immobilizing the injured joint with a splint, brace, or cast may be necessary to prevent further movement and promote healing, particularly for more severe sprains.
Physical therapy: Once the initial pain and swelling have subsided, physical therapy exercises and rehabilitation techniques can help restore strength, flexibility, and range of motion to the injured joint. A physical therapist can design a customized exercise program tailored to your specific needs and goals.
Surgery: In rare cases of severe sprains with significant ligament tears or instability, surgical intervention may be necessary to repair or reconstruct the damaged ligaments. Surgery is typically considered when conservative treatments fail to provide adequate relief or when there is a risk of long-term joint instability.

When to seek urgent medical care

It is important to know when to seek urgent medical care, as delaying appropriate treatment can lead to further health complications. If you experience any of the following symptoms, you should seek medical help immediately. If you have any doubts about whether you should seek medical care, it is always better to err on the side of caution and consult with your doctor.

Severe pain: Intense or worsening pain that does not improve with rest, ice, or over-the-counter pain medication may indicate a more serious injury, such as a fracture or severe ligament tear.
Inability to bear weight: If you cannot put any weight on the injured limb or joint, it may be a sign of a significant injury that requires medical attention.
Deformity: Any visible deformity, misalignment, or unusual shape of the injured joint or limb may indicate a fracture or severe ligament injury and should be evaluated by a healthcare professional.
Numbness or tingling: Loss of sensation, numbness, or tingling in the affected limb may indicate nerve damage and requires prompt medical evaluation.
Inability to move the joint: If you cannot move the injured joint or if movement causes severe pain, it may indicate a severe sprain or other serious injury that requires medical attention.
Swelling and discoloration: Excessive swelling, bruising, or discoloration that persists or worsens despite home treatment may indicate a more severe injury and should be evaluated by a healthcare professional.
Joint instability: Persistent feelings of joint instability, giving way, or a sensation of the joint being loose or wobbly may indicate significant ligament damage and should be assessed by a healthcare professional.
Fever: If you develop a fever following a sprain, it may indicate an infection, especially if the skin around the injured area becomes red, warm, or tender.

Disclaimer: The information provided in this content is for general informational purposes only. It is not intended as medical or healthcare advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of a qualified healthcare professional with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition or healthcare decisions.