Ligament Sprain

GENERAL INFORMATION:

What is a ligament sprain? A ligament (LIG-ah-ment) sprain, or simply called a sprain, is an injury which occurs to ligaments. The sprain may be an overstretched, or a partially or completely torn ligament. A ligament is a strong elastic tissue in joints that connects one bone to another. It keeps the bones in place and the joint stable. A sprain may occur in any joint of the body, such as in ankles, knees, wrists, fingers, or neck. It may involve one or more ligaments. When a sprain occurs, other parts of the joint, such as tendons and muscles, may also be affected.

What causes a sprain? A sprain is usually caused by a direct injury or sudden twisting of the joint. This may happen while playing sports, or may be due to a fall or car accident. The following may put you at risk of having a sprain:

• Overexertion of the muscles or muscle fatigue (tiredness).
  
  
• Physically inactive for a long time.
  
  
• Sudden increase in the amount and intensity of training.
  
  
• Wearing shoes that do not fit or are not well-suited for the activity.
  
  
• Weighing at least 20 pounds more than what your caregiver recommends.
  
  
• Using sports equipment the wrong way.

What are the signs and symptoms of a sprain?

• A pop, snap, or tear may be heard or felt at the time the ligament was injured.
  
  
• Giving way of the joint, especially during heavy physical activity. This may occur if a joint in the lower limb is affected.
  
  
• Sudden pain or swelling in the joint. The pain is often worse when the affected area is touched.
  
  
• The injured area may be bruised and feel warm when touched.
  
  
• Trouble moving the joint.

How is a sprain diagnosed? You may have any of the following:

• Physical exam: Caregivers may test the function of your ligament by moving your joint in different directions. You may be asked to do the movements by yourself. Both your injured and normal joint may need to be checked for any abnormal movement.
  
  
• X-ray: This is a picture of the bones and tissues in your joint. X-rays cannot show a ligament injury but may show other problems, such as fractures (broken bones) or arthritis. You may be given dye as a shot into your joint before the x-ray. This dye will help your joint show up better on the x-ray. A joint x-ray with dye is called an arthrogram or arthrography. You may need more than one x-ray of your joint.
  
  
• Computed tomography scan: This is also called a CT scan. An x-ray machine uses a computer to take pictures of your joint area. It may be used to look for injured bones or muscles.
  
  
• Magnetic resonance imaging: This is also called MRI. During the MRI, pictures of your joint are taken. An MRI may be used to look for ligament tears or other injuries.
  
  
• Arthroscopy: Caregivers may want to look inside your knee to check for signs of a ligament injury. Caregivers make a small incision (cut) in your knee and insert a scope through it. The scope is a long tube with a magnifying glass, a camera, and a light on the end.

How is a sprain treated? Treatment for a sprain will depend on which ligament was injured. Knowing how big the tear is and whether one or more ligaments are affected will also be important. Treatment may also depend on whether other parts of the joint are involved and the length of time since the injury. Rest, Ice, Compression, and Elevation (R.I.C.E.) can initially be done to decrease pain and swelling. You may need any of the following:

• Devices: Your caregiver may want to limit the movement of your joint for some time. You may need to wear a bandage, splint, cast, or a brace to keep your joint stable. You may need to use crutches to decrease stress on a weight-bearing joint.
  
  
• Medicines: Your caregiver may give you certain medicines to decrease the pain and swelling of your joint.
  
  
• Surgery:
  
  
  • Repair: A torn ligament may be repaired by attaching the ends together.
    
    
  • Reconstruction: Reconstruction (rebuilding) of the ligament may be needed if it cannot be repaired. Caregivers may replace your injured ligament with a part of a tendon taken from another part of your body. If a large portion of bone is pulled off with the torn ligament, it may be reattached using screws.
  
  
• Rehabilitation: This is a program that helps keep your joint stable after having a sprain. This program aims to help bring back your joint's normal range of motion and strengthen the muscles.

How is a sprain prevented?

• Always warm up and stretch before starting your regular exercise, sport, or physical activity.
  
  
• Avoid sudden increases in the amount and intensity of training. Gradually (slowly) increase time and how often you train.
  
  
• Keep your muscles strong and flexible by doing exercises.
  
  
• Use the right equipment when training. This includes wearing appropriate and properly fit shoes. Protective wear, such as ankle supports, elbow and knee pads, or braces may also be used.

What are the risks associated with having a sprain? Treatment of a sprain may cause unpleasant side effects. You could get an infection or bleed too much with surgery. Sometimes, even after surgery, the joint may not go back to the way it was before. Wearing a brace or other supportive device may cause discomfort and limit activity. If left untreated, a sprain may cause weakness of your joint or problems with movement. Your symptoms may worsen over time. You may have trouble going back to your usual activities, including sports. The chances of treating a sprain are better when found and treated as soon as possible. Call your caregiver if you have concerns about your injury, treatment, or care.

Where can I find more information? Having a sprain may be hard. Contact the following for more information:

• American Academy of Family Physicians
  PO Box 11210
  Shawnee Mission, KS 66207-1210
  Phone: 1-913-906-6000
  Web Address: http://www.aafp.org
  

• American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons
  6300 North River Road
  Rosemont, IL 600184262
  Phone: 1-847-8237186
  Web Address: http://www.aaos.org/
  

• American Physical Therapy Association
  1111 North Fairfax Street
  Alexandria, VA 22314
  Phone: 1-800-999-2782
  Web Address: http://www.apta.org
  

CARE AGREEMENT:

You have the right to help plan your care. To help with this plan, you must learn about your health condition and how it may be treated. You can then discuss treatment options with your caregivers. Work with them to decide what care may be used to treat you. You always have the right to refuse treatment.

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