Sprain: Difference between revisions

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A '''sprain''', also known as a '''torn ligament''', is the stretching or tearing of [[ligaments]] within a [[joint]], often caused by trauma abruptly forcing the joint beyond its functional range of motion. Ligaments are inelastic [[collagen]] fibers that connect two or more bones to a joint and are important for joint stabilization and [[proprioception]], which is the body's sense of limb position and movement.<ref>{{Citation|last=Bahr|first=Roald|title=Types and Causes of Injuries|date=2012-06-22|work=The IOC Manual of Sports Injuries|pages=1–24|editor-last=Bahr|editor-first=Roald|publisher=Wiley-Blackwell|doi=10.1002/9781118467947.ch1|isbn=978-1-118-46794-7|last2=Alfredson|first2=Håkan|last3=Järvinen|first3=Markku|last4=Järvinen|first4=Tero|last5=Khan|first5=Karim|last6=Kjaer|first6=Michael|last7=Matheson|first7=Gordon|last8=Maehlum|first8=Sverre}}</ref> The severity of sprains ranges from a minor injury that resolves with [[Conservative management|conservative treatment]] to a severe rupture or fracture leading to joint instability, which requires surgical fixation and prolonged immobilization.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.physio-pedia.com/Ligament_Sprain|title=Ligament Sprain|website=Physiopedia|language=en|access-date=2020-04-13}}</ref> Sprains can occur at any joint but are most common in the ankle and wrist.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://chestofbooks.com/health/reference/Home-Cyclopedia-Of-Health-And-Medicine/Sprained-Joints.html|title=Sprained Joints|work=Free Books|access-date=16 February 2010}}</ref> An equivalent injury to a [[muscle]] or a [[tendon]] is known as a [[Strain (injury)|strain]].
A '''sprain''', also known as a '''torn ligament''', is the stretching or tearing of [[ligaments]] within a [[joint]], often caused by trauma abruptly forcing the joint beyond its functional range of motion. Ligaments are inelastic [[collagen]] fibers that connect two or more bones to a joint and are important for joint stabilization and [[proprioception]], which is the body's sense of limb position and movement.<ref name=":3">{{Citation|last=Bahr|first=Roald|title=Types and Causes of Injuries|date=2012-06-22|work=The IOC Manual of Sports Injuries|pages=1–24|editor-last=Bahr|editor-first=Roald|publisher=Wiley-Blackwell|doi=10.1002/9781118467947.ch1|isbn=978-1-118-46794-7|last2=Alfredson|first2=Håkan|last3=Järvinen|first3=Markku|last4=Järvinen|first4=Tero|last5=Khan|first5=Karim|last6=Kjaer|first6=Michael|last7=Matheson|first7=Gordon|last8=Maehlum|first8=Sverre}}</ref> The severity of sprains ranges from a minor injury that resolves with [[Conservative management|conservative treatment]] to a severe rupture or fracture leading to joint instability, which requires surgical fixation and prolonged immobilization.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.physio-pedia.com/Ligament_Sprain|title=Ligament Sprain|website=Physiopedia|language=en|access-date=2020-04-13}}</ref> Sprains can occur at any joint but are most common in the ankle and wrist.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://chestofbooks.com/health/reference/Home-Cyclopedia-Of-Health-And-Medicine/Sprained-Joints.html|title=Sprained Joints|work=Free Books|access-date=16 February 2010}}</ref> An equivalent injury to a [[muscle]] or a [[tendon]] is known as a [[Strain (injury)|strain]].


== Signs and symptoms ==
== Signs and symptoms ==
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*Joint instability<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.niams.nih.gov/health-topics/sprains-and-strains|title=Sprains and Strains|last=Nancy Garrick|first=Deputy Director|date=2017-04-10|website=National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases|language=en|access-date=2020-04-14}}</ref>
*Joint instability<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.niams.nih.gov/health-topics/sprains-and-strains|title=Sprains and Strains|last=Nancy Garrick|first=Deputy Director|date=2017-04-10|website=National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases|language=en|access-date=2020-04-14}}</ref>
* Decreased range of motion at the injured joint and difficulty moving the affected [[Limb (anatomy)|extremity]]<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://medlineplus.gov/sprainsandstrains.html|title=Sprains and Strains|website=medlineplus.gov|access-date=2020-04-14}}</ref>
* Decreased range of motion at the injured joint and difficulty moving the affected [[Limb (anatomy)|extremity]]<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://medlineplus.gov/sprainsandstrains.html|title=Sprains and Strains|website=medlineplus.gov|access-date=2020-04-14}}</ref>
*Ligament rupture may cause a cracking or popping sound at the time of injury<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/sprains/symptoms-causes/syc-20377938|title=Sprains - Symptoms and causes|website=Mayo Clinic|language=en|access-date=2020-04-14}}</ref>
*Ligament rupture may cause a cracking or popping sound at the time of injury<ref name=":4">{{Cite web|url=https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/sprains/symptoms-causes/syc-20377938|title=Sprains - Symptoms and causes|website=Mayo Clinic|language=en|access-date=2020-04-14}}</ref>


Knowing the signs and symptoms of a sprain can be helpful in differentiating the injury from a [[Strain (injury)|strain]] or [[Bone fracture|fracture]].
Knowing the signs and symptoms of a sprain can be helpful in differentiating the injury from a [[Strain (injury)|strain]] or [[Bone fracture|fracture]].
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Sprains typically occur when the joint is abruptly forced beyond its functional range of motion, often in the setting of trauma or sports injuries. Risk factors for sprains include:
Sprains typically occur when the joint is abruptly forced beyond its functional range of motion, often in the setting of trauma or sports injuries. Risk factors for sprains include:


* [[Fatigue (medical)|Fatigue]] and overuse
* [[Fatigue (medical)|Fatigue]] and overuse<ref name=":3" />
* High-intensity contact sports
* High-intensity contact sports
* Environmental factors
* Environmental factors
* Poor conditioning or equipment
* Poor conditioning or equipment<ref name=":4" />
* Lack of stretching or "warming up", which when performed properly increases blood flow joint flexibility
* Lack of stretching or "warming up", which when performed properly increases blood flow and joint flexibility<ref>{{Cite journal|last=Woods|first=Krista|last2=Bishop|first2=Phillip|last3=Jones|first3=Eric|date=2007-12-01|title=Warm-Up and Stretching in the Prevention of Muscular Injury|url=https://doi.org/10.2165/00007256-200737120-00006|journal=Sports Medicine|language=en|volume=37|issue=12|pages=1089–1099|doi=10.2165/00007256-200737120-00006|issn=1179-2035}}</ref>


[[File:Sprained wrist 8 days later (2).jpg|thumb|Sprain of wrist after fall while ice skating|150 px|right]]
[[File:Sprained wrist 8 days later (2).jpg|thumb|Sprain of wrist after fall while ice skating|150 px|right]]

Revision as of 11:37, 14 April 2020

Sprain
Other namesTorn ligament
A sprained ankle with bruising and swelling.
SpecialtySports medicine, physical medicine & rehabilitation, orthopedics, family medicine
SymptomsPain, swelling, bruising, instability, limited range of motion
CausesTrauma, sports injuries, overuse
Risk factorsEnvironmental factors, age, poor training or sports gear
Diagnostic methodPhysical exam, joint x-ray
Differential diagnosisStrain, fracture
PreventionFrequent stretching and conditioning, bracing your joints
TreatmentRest, ice, compression, elevation, NSAIDs
MedicationNon-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)
PrognosisMild cases resolve well on their own

A sprain, also known as a torn ligament, is the stretching or tearing of ligaments within a joint, often caused by trauma abruptly forcing the joint beyond its functional range of motion. Ligaments are inelastic collagen fibers that connect two or more bones to a joint and are important for joint stabilization and proprioception, which is the body's sense of limb position and movement.[1] The severity of sprains ranges from a minor injury that resolves with conservative treatment to a severe rupture or fracture leading to joint instability, which requires surgical fixation and prolonged immobilization.[2] Sprains can occur at any joint but are most common in the ankle and wrist.[3] An equivalent injury to a muscle or a tendon is known as a strain.

Signs and symptoms

  • Pain
  • Swelling
  • Bruising
  • Joint instability[4]
  • Decreased range of motion at the injured joint and difficulty moving the affected extremity[5]
  • Ligament rupture may cause a cracking or popping sound at the time of injury[6]

Knowing the signs and symptoms of a sprain can be helpful in differentiating the injury from a strain or fracture.

Causes

Sprains typically occur when the joint is abruptly forced beyond its functional range of motion, often in the setting of trauma or sports injuries. Risk factors for sprains include:

  • Fatigue and overuse[1]
  • High-intensity contact sports
  • Environmental factors
  • Poor conditioning or equipment[6]
  • Lack of stretching or "warming up", which when performed properly increases blood flow and joint flexibility[7]
Sprain of wrist after fall while ice skating

There are certain factors which increase risk of sprains. Fatigue of muscles generally leads to sprains. When one suddenly starts to exercise after a sedentary lifestyle, sprains are quite common. While scientific studies are lacking, it is often thought that not 'warming up' is a common cause of sprains in athletes [citation needed]. 'Warming up' is thought to loosen the joint, increasing blood flow and making the joint more flexible [citation needed].

Diagnosis

A diagnosis of a sprain can often be made with a good degree of certainty by physical examination based on the clinical presentation and method of injury. In some cases, X-rays are obtained to ensure that there is no fracture. In some cases, particularly if the injury is prolonged or does not appear to be resolving as expected, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is performed to look at surrounding soft tissues and the ligament.[8]

Classification

  1. First degree sprain (mild) – the fibres of the ligament are stretched but intact.
  2. Second degree sprain (moderate) – is a tear of part of a ligament, from a third to almost all its fibres.
  3. Third degree sprain (severe)– is a complete rupture of the ligament, sometimes avulsing a piece of bone.
A 3D medical animation still shot illustrating a sprain

Joints involved

Although any joint can experience a sprain, some of the more common include:

Treatment

The first modality for a sprain can be remembered using the acronym RICE.[10] The treatment of sprains depends on the extent of injury and the joint involved. Medications like non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs can relieve pain. Topical NSAIDs appear to be as good as those taken by mouth.[11] Research suggest PRICE, as a way of managing an ankle sprain.[12]

  • Protect: It is important to protect the injured site from repetitive injury.[12]
  • Rest: The sprain should be rested. No additional force should be applied on site of the sprain. In case of, for example, a sprained ankle, walking should be kept to a minimum.[13]
  • Ice: Ice should be applied immediately to the sprain to reduce swelling and pain. It can be applied for 10–15 minutes at a time, 3–4 times a day. Ice can be combined with a wrapping to minimize swelling and provide support.[13] Ice to numb the pain is effective, but only for a short period of time (no more than twenty minutes.)[14] Longer than 20 minutes can reduce the blood flow to the injured area and slow the healing process.[medical citation needed]
  • Compression: Dressings, bandages, or ace-wraps should be used to immobilize the sprain and provide support. When wrapping the injury, more pressure should be applied at the far end of the injury and decrease in the direction of the heart; the reason for this is that it more easily causes unnecessary fluid to be flushed back up the blood stream in order to be recycled. Compression should not cut off the circulation of the limb.[13]
  • Elevation: Keeping the sprained joint elevated (in relation to the rest of the body) will also help minimize swelling.[13]

Non operative treatments including continuous passive motion (a machine that puts the joint through range of motion) combined with a cryocuff, which applies cold and compression, are successful in reducing swelling and improving range of motion.[15] Strength and functional training that is implemented as soon as the edema subsides also aids in increasing range of motion of the joint.[15]

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.

The joint should be exercised again fairly soon, in milder cases from 1 to 3 days after injury.[16] Special exercises are sometimes needed in order to regain strength and help reduce the risk of ongoing problems. The joint may need to be supported by taping or bracing, helping protect it from re-injury.[16]

Functional rehabilitation

Prolonged immobilization delays the healing of a sprain, as it usually leads to muscle atrophy and weakness. Mobilizing the limb soon after a sprain has been shown to promote healing by stimulating growth factors in musculoskeletal tissues linked to cellular multiplication and matrix remodeling.[citation needed] The components of an effective rehabilitation program for all sprain injuries include increasing range of motion and progressive muscle strengthening exercise.[citation needed]

Although prolonged immobilization can have a negative effect on recovery, recent studies suggest that the use of a brace can improve healing by alleviating pain and stabilizing the injury, which helps prevent further damage to the ligament.[17] When using a brace, it is very important to apply the correct amount of pressure, as too much can cause complications.[17]

References

  1. ^ a b Bahr, Roald; Alfredson, Håkan; Järvinen, Markku; Järvinen, Tero; Khan, Karim; Kjaer, Michael; Matheson, Gordon; Maehlum, Sverre (2012-06-22), Bahr, Roald (ed.), "Types and Causes of Injuries", The IOC Manual of Sports Injuries, Wiley-Blackwell, pp. 1–24, doi:10.1002/9781118467947.ch1, ISBN 978-1-118-46794-7
  2. ^ "Ligament Sprain". Physiopedia. Retrieved 2020-04-13.
  3. ^ "Sprained Joints". Free Books. Retrieved 16 February 2010.
  4. ^ Nancy Garrick, Deputy Director (2017-04-10). "Sprains and Strains". National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases. Retrieved 2020-04-14.
  5. ^ "Sprains and Strains". medlineplus.gov. Retrieved 2020-04-14.
  6. ^ a b "Sprains - Symptoms and causes". Mayo Clinic. Retrieved 2020-04-14.
  7. ^ Woods, Krista; Bishop, Phillip; Jones, Eric (2007-12-01). "Warm-Up and Stretching in the Prevention of Muscular Injury". Sports Medicine. 37 (12): 1089–1099. doi:10.2165/00007256-200737120-00006. ISSN 1179-2035.
  8. ^ Strains and sprains information Mayo Clinic. Retrieved on 2010-01-26
  9. ^ Shier, David; Butler, Jackie; Lewis, Ricki (2007). Hole's Human Anatomy & Physiology (11th ed.). McGraw Hill / Irwin. pp. 157, 160. ISBN 978-0-07-330555-4. {{cite book}}: Unknown parameter |name-list-format= ignored (|name-list-style= suggested) (help)
  10. ^ MedicalMnemonics.com: 235
  11. ^ Derry S, Moore RA, Gaskell H, McIntyre M, Wiffen PJ (June 2015). "Topical NSAIDs for acute musculoskeletal pain in adults". The Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews. 6 (6): CD007402. doi:10.1002/14651858.CD007402.pub3. PMC 6426435. PMID 26068955.
  12. ^ a b Bleakley CM, O'Connor SR, Tully MA, Rocke LG, Macauley DC, Bradbury I, Keegan S, McDonough SM (May 2010). "Effect of accelerated rehabilitation on function after ankle sprain: randomised controlled trial". BMJ. 340 (may10 1): c1964. doi:10.1136/bmj.c1964. PMID 20457737.
  13. ^ a b c d "Sprained Ankle". American Orthopedic Foot and Ankle Society. March 2005. Retrieved 2008-04-01.
  14. ^ Cramer H, Ostermann T, Dobos G (February 2018). "Injuries and other adverse events associated with yoga practice: A systematic review of epidemiological studies". Journal of Science and Medicine in Sport. 21 (2): 147–154. doi:10.1016/j.jsams.2017.08.026. PMID 28958637.
  15. ^ a b Temponi EF, Saithna A, de Carvalho LH, Teixeira BP, Sonnery-Cottet B (January 2019). "Nonoperative Treatment for Partial Ruptures of the Lateral Collateral Ligament Occurring in Combination With Complete Ruptures of the Anterolateral Ligament: A Common Injury Pattern in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Athletes With Acute Knee Injury". Orthopaedic Journal of Sports Medicine. 7 (1): 2325967118822450. doi:10.1177/2325967118822450. PMC 6348520. PMID 30719481.
  16. ^ a b Ankle Sprains: Healing and Preventing Injury Written by familydoctor.org editorial staff. American Academy of Family Physicians. Reviewed/Updated: 08/06. Created: 01/96
  17. ^ a b Hsu, Hunter; Siwiec, Ryan M. (2019), "Forearm Splinting", StatPearls, StatPearls Publishing, PMID 29763155, retrieved 2019-03-12 {{citation}}: Unknown parameter |name-list-format= ignored (|name-list-style= suggested) (help)

External links