Sprains are a fairly common injury, especially among young people who regularly exercise. Are there any first aid measures that can be performed at home? Let's discuss this further.
Sprains most often occur in the ankle area, although they can also occur in other areas of the body. A sprain occurs when there is an injury to the ligaments, the tissues that connect bones to joints. Sprains usually occur with sudden, unnatural movements, or without prior warm-up, which weakens the tissue.
Sprains can occur during sports such as basketball, soccer, tennis, running, and others. They can also occur from falls, wearing inappropriate footwear, or muscle fatigue. Therefore, it is crucial to warm up before exercising or other physical activities to reduce the risk of injury.
Sprain vs Strain
It's important to note that a sprain is different from a broken bone or fracture. In a fracture, the affected tissue is bone. However, a fracture may also be accompanied by a sprain. The difference between a sprain and a strain is often discussed due to their similar names and similar symptoms. A sprain, or medical term for a sprain, is a condition where there is injury to a ligament. A strain is an injury to a muscle or tendon.
Initial management of sprains
When complaining of pain in the ankle area that may be accompanied by swelling and is caused by sudden movement, especially during exercise without prior warm-up, a sprain should be considered. Here are some initial treatments that can be taken:
Rest
After experiencing pain, it's highly recommended to rest the area. Forcing movement in the sprained area will usually worsen the symptoms.
Ice
Cold compresses can help reduce inflammation and swelling. They can be applied several times a day for about 15 minutes.
Compression
This can be done by applying an elastic bandage to the sprained area. However, it's important to maintain good blood flow by not wrapping it too tightly.
Elevation
Elevating the sprained body part above the heart can help reduce swelling. For easier memorization, this initial management can be abbreviated as RICE, which stands for Rest, Ice, Compression, and Elevation. Pain and swelling can also be relieved by taking pain relievers or analgesics and anti-inflammatories. However, if the condition persists, it's crucial to consult a doctor immediately.
The doctor will conduct a medical interview and physical examination. A sprain or strain usually doesn't require further testing to confirm a diagnosis. However, in some cases, such as if a fracture or other condition is suspected, further testing may be performed. If necessary, a referral to an orthopedic specialist will be made for further evaluation and treatment.
Supporting tests that may be performed typically include imaging tests such as x-rays, CT scans, and, if necessary, MRI. The recovery time for a sprain can vary depending on the severity. For mild sprains, it can last 1-2 weeks. However, in severe cases, recovery can take up to 6 months or more.
Written by Dr. Valda Garcia. Reviewed by Dr. Ernest Eugene.
.png)