1. Sprain: A Common Joint Injury
The Injury
A sprain is a painful injury caused to your connective tissues of the joint when you stretch
them beyond their ability to stretch. Sprains are a quite normal type of joint injury with a huge
number of individuals seeking treatment for new injuries every day. Many sprains happen during
sports activities. In tennis, a person stretches his / her leg too much for a passing ball. Or a
runner slips without having a stable foothold. These are standard cases. When somebody
begins a new exercise program after having a prolonged sedentary life style, the ligaments
will not be able to take the stretching and this makes a sprain. Everyday life can be just as
packed with hazards. Over-reaching to the top shelf or twisting an ankle heading down some
steps are just as prone to produce a sprain.
Understanding our joints will help us to understand sprains. A joint is anywhere two bones
come together. It is held together by connective tissues called ligaments. Joints, along with
their ligaments, naturally allow some stretching. But when they can not bear the unwanted
stretching, a sprain happens.
The Symptoms of a Sprain
Primary symptoms of a sprain are soreness and swelling of the injured joint. A bad sprain
can also produce a sudden sound during injury. The joint also can become fully or partially
immobile. The regular diagnostic methods are physical examination for swelling, an x-ray to
rule out the potential for fracture, and also a MRI if a ripped ligament is suspected, but only after
the swelling subsides.
Sprain First Aid
Right after a sprain, you’ll want to permit the joint to relax for a little while. This would be to
prevent additional injury. When possible, wait for help where you are. Trying to reach medical
treatment alone you can do more damage than taking a rest. Particularly in an ankle sprain, do
not put a load on the affected leg. Ice – either as a bag of ice cubes or a coldpack – can
also be a key to preventing unpleasant swelling. But do take care to see that use of ice be
kept to a minimum to assist in recovery. Compression will help you to lessen discomfort and
provides support to the damaged part. By tying a wrap looser at the point closest to the heart,
you can prevent loss of circulation. Loss of circulation can be just as damaging as the sprain
itself. Finally, by just positioning the hurt joint at an elevated position compared to the heart
will help slow later soreness.
Sprain Recovery
While most sprains heal completely with time and care, some very critical sprains may
cause lasting complications. Torn ligaments, especially in significant joints such as the knee or
elbow, could result in long-term injuries.
1/2

2. Exercising and stregthening the joint and its connective tissue are also vital for the
long-term process of healing. Always adhere to the recommendations of doctors, however, or
you will risk more joint damage. Exercise a sprain as carefully as necessary for ideal results.
CLICK HERE TO READ MORE http://www.allaboutsprains.com
2/2
Powered by TCPDF (www.tcpdf.org)