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Treatment for Ligament Sprains

What is a Sprained ligament?

A ligament sprain occurs when there is a tear or stretch in the ligament. Ligaments are fibrous tissue bands that connect bones at a joint.

What are the causes of a sprained ligament?

Twisting, falling and trauma to the joint are common causes of sprains. The joints can move outside of their normal movement range when these injuries occur, stretching or tearing the ligament in the process.

Other situations that can lead to sprain include:

  • Sudden twist or pivoting of the joints
  • Running or walking on uneven surfaces
  • Landing on the hand or wrist during a fall
  • Sports that involve the use of racquets
  • Injuries sustained from contact sports

Diagnosis for a sprained ligament

During a physical examination, swelling and tender points around the affected area will be the first thing a doctor checks for. The intensity of the pain and the size of the area affected will be used to determine the extent of the damage.
Fractures and other bone injuries can be ruled out as the source of the problem by carrying out X-rays. An MRI (Magnetic Imaging Resonance) in some cases will be used to determine the nature of the injury.

Sprain prevention

You can reduce the risk of causing a sprain by regularly engaging in stretching and strengthening exercises as part of a general physical conditioning program. It is preferable to be in the best possible physical shape so as to enable your body to play sport or undertake other physical activities safely, rather than doing said activities in order to be in shape. Regular conditioning can help you stay away from injuries if your occupation is physically demanding.

By working to strengthen and condition the muscles around the joint area, you provide long-term protection for your joints. Consult your doctor to learn the correct stability exercises and conditioning. Also, make use of footwear that gives support and protection.

Treatment for a sprained ligament

Treatment for sprains involve a gold standard of care also known as the “RICE” therapy, which stands for Rest, Ice, Compression, and Elevation.

  • Rest: Ideally the injured area should be free from every form of weight for a period of 24 to 48 hours. This includes not walking with an affected ankle or trying to lift with an affected elbow or wrist.
  • Ice: A bag of ice should be placed over the injured area for a period of 10 minutes, after which it is taken off for the next 30 minutes. This should be repeated as much as possible throughout the first 3 days. The ice can be placed in a damp cloth or in a plastic bag (never put ice directly on your skin). The inflammatory process is slowed down as the cold constricts the blood vessels, which reduces the swelling and eases the pain. However, prolonged use of ice can result in an injury, hence the necessity for the breaks.
  • Compression: A plastic bandage or compression sleeve can be used to wrap the sprained area (ankle, knee, wrist or elbow). Similar to ice, compression helps prevent an increase in the swelling.
  • Elevation: The injured area is placed above the level of the heart. This can be done when lying down by placing the injured area on a pillow. This will reduce the rate of swelling by preventing fluids from collecting in the area.

Ligament Sprain FAQ’s

What is the difference between a sprain and a strain?
The overstretching or tearing of the ligament is what causes a joint sprain. Ligaments are an arrangement of tissues that link two bones together in a joint. The major difference between a sprain and strain is that a sprain can involve bruising around the affected joint area whereas, in a strain, severe spasms may be experienced in the affected muscle area.
Can you work on a sprained foot?
If your foot can carry your weight then chances are that you haven’t broken or damaged the ligaments too severely. Normally you will be able to move your foot again after a few days if you have only slightly stressed the ligament.
How long will it take a sprained foot to heal?
After a sprain, you will experience pain if you try to place weight on your foot and you may be provided with crutches to use while it heals. It will take within two to four weeks for minor-to-moderate injuries to heal. Serious sprain injuries, particularly those that require a cast, will usually take up to 8 weeks to heal.

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