Sprains

What are sprains?

Ligaments are tissue bands that connect bones together. 

Sprains are injuries that occur when ligaments in one of your joints stretch or tear. They range in severity from mild to severe and typically affect the following joints:

• Fingers
• Thumbs
• Toes
• Wrist
• Knees 
• Ankles

Any ligament-supported joint can become sprained in certain situations. 

Rest and home remedies can often manage mild or moderate sprains. However, medical intervention at Premier Injury Providers is usually the most effective and fastest way to heal from a sprain. 

Which symptoms may indicate a sprain?

Sprains can cause the following symptoms:

• Bruising
• Pain
• Warmth
• Swelling
• Instability
• Reduced mobility
• Diminished range of motion
• “Pop” sound during a joint injury

Your specialist determines the severity of your sprain to develop the most effective treatment plan.

What are the risk factors for sprains?

Sprains can be caused by:

• Sports injuries
• Rolling your ankle
• Twisting your knee
• Jumping
• Running or walking on uneven surfaces
• Falls
• Physically demanding job
• Sudden increases in exercise intensity
• Repetitive strain
• Ill-fitting shoes

Warming up before exercise, stretching, not overtraining, wearing comfortable and durable shoes, and not working out on uneven surfaces can reduce the risk of sprains. 

How are sprains diagnosed?

The Premier Injury Providers experts complete a physical exam to assess the injured part of your body. They also discuss your symptoms, medical history, and how the injury occurred. 

Your provider may order X-rays, ultrasounds, MRIs, or other imaging procedures to confirm a diagnosis, determine the severity of your injury, and rule out other injuries. 

How are sprains treated?

The Premier Injury Providers specialists may suggest the following treatments for a sprain based on its severity, your treatment preferences, and your lifestyle:

• Rest, ice, compression, and elevation (RICE)
• Medications
• Brace, splints, or a walking boot
• Crutches
• Physical therapy
• Regenerative medicine injections  
• Corticosteroid injections 

In some cases, surgery is the best way to fully recover after a severe sprain. You may be a candidate for surgery if other sprain treatment options haven’t been effective. Premier Injury Providers customizes a plan for you.

Schedule an evaluation at Premier Injury Providers by phone or request one online to receive treatment for a sprain today.