Sprain
390757
224974556
2008-07-11T07:22:00Z
ThylekShran
1388094
/* Joints involved */ I just had one of these on the big toe of my left foot. Not pleasant. :(
{{Expand|article|date=January 2007}}
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A '''sprain''' (from the [[French language|French]] ''espraindre'' - to wring) is an [[injury]] which occurs to [[ligament]]s caused by a sudden overstretching (for the [[muscle]] injury, see [[Strain (injury)|strain]]). The ligament is usually only stretched, but if it is completely torn, a longer period of immobilization and surgical repair may be necessary.
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==Degrees==
Although some [[sign (medicine)|signs]] and [[symptom]]s can be used to assess the severity of a sprain, the most definitive method is with the use of [[Magnetic Resonance Imaging]] (MRI). Sprains are graded in four degrees.
* The ''first'' degree is only a minor tear or stretch of a [[ligament]].
* The ''second'' degree is a tear of a ligament, which is usually followed by pain or [[swelling]].
* The ''third'' degree is a complete rupture.
* The ''fourth'' degree is the most severe and actually breaks the ligament, along with some small bones if severe enough, and requires surgery to repair.
==Signs and symptoms==
The typical signs and symptoms associated with a sprain are the cardinal signs of:
*[[inflammation]]
*localized [[pain]]
*[[Swelling (medical)|swelling]]
*loss of function
*loss of normal limb function
*elasticity of ligament decrease
==Joints involved==
Although any joint can experience a sprain, some of the more common include:
* the [[ankle]]. It is the most common, and has been said that sprains such as serious ankle sprains are more painful and take longer to heal than actually breaking the bones in that area. <ref>Holes Human Anatomy & Physiology, Shier, David, Jackie Butler, Ricki Lewis, Mc Graw Hill 2007, Eleventh Ed., p.157,160 </ref> See [[sprained ankle]] for more details.
* the [[knee]]. Perhaps one of the more talked about sprains is that to the [[anterior cruciate ligament]] (ACL) of the knee. This is a disabling sprain common to athletes, especially in [[basketball]], [[soccer|football]], and [[judo]]. See [[Anterior cruciate ligament injury]].
* the [[finger]]s.
* the [[wrist]].
* the [[toe]]s.
==Prevention==
Sprains can best be prevented by proper use of safety equipment (wrist, ankle guards), [[Warming up|warm-ups]] and [[Cooling down|cool-downs]] (including [[stretching]]), being aware of your surroundings and maintaining strength and flexibility. Physical conditioning is the best way to avoid or lessen the degree of sprains.
==Treatment==
{{Inappropriate tone|date=March 2008}}
The first modality for a sprain can be remembered using the acronym [[RICE (medicine)|R.I.C.E.]]<ref>{{MedicalMnemonics|235|||}}</ref>
* '''Rest:''' The sprain should be rested. No additional force should be applied on site of the sprain. If, for example, the sprain were an ankle sprain, then walking should be kept to a minimum.<ref name="AAOS">{{cite web|url=http://orthoinfo.aaos.org/topic.cfm?topic=A00150 |title=Sprained Ankle |accessdate=2008-04-01 |date=2005-03 |publisher=[[American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society]] }}</ref>
* '''Ice:''' Ice should be applied immediately to the sprain to minimize swelling and ease pain. It can be applied for 20-30 minutes at a time, 3-4 times a day. Ice can be combined with a wrapping to minimize swelling and provide support.<ref name="AAOS"/>
* '''Compression:''' Dressings, bandages, or ace-wraps should be used to immobilize the sprain and provide support.<ref name="AAOS"/>
* '''Elevation:''' Keeping the sprained joint elevated above heart level will also help to minimize swelling.<ref name="AAOS"/>
Ice and compression ([[cold compression therapy]]) will not completely stop swelling and pain, but will help to minimize them as the sprain begins to heal itself. Careful management of swelling is critical to the healing process as additional fluid may pool in the sprained area.
==References==
<references/>
==External links==
*[http://www.nhsdirect.nhs.uk/articles/article.aspx?articleId=345§ionId=7073 More information and treatment at nhsdirect.nhs.uk]
{{Dislocations, sprains and strains}}
[[Category:Diseases involving the fasciae]]
[[Category:Injuries]]
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[[he:נקע]]
[[nl:Verstuiking]]
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[[ja:捻挫]]
[[simple:Sprain]]
[[te:బెణుకు]]