The term sprain is commonly used when ligament injury is suspected. It is also used under the term strain and can be used also in a muscle injury.
What is a sprain:
A sprain is a stretch or tear of one or more ligaments in a joint or muscle. Often, a sprain is caused by a traumatic event such as a fall, poor reception of jumps or sudden or unplanned movement.
A ligament sprain occurs when the joint is suddenly forced beyond its normal joint mobility, thus bringing the ligament beyond its stretch limit. This results in a stretching of the fibers and potential ligament tear.
A muscle sprain, also known as muscle strain or strain, occurs when the muscle or muscle group is suddenly forced beyond its flexibility. This results in a stretch of the fibres and potential tearing.
Ligament sprains
What is a ligament:
A ligament is a short, very strong fibrous connective tissue band that connects one bone to another in a joint to ensure that the bones are stable together while allowing some movement of the joint. They are like big elastic bands.
3 grades ligament sprains:
Your physiotherapist can diagnose 3 degrees of sprain:
Grade 1: partial stretch/tear (e.g., less than 1/3 of the fibers) of certain fibers.
Grade 2: partial tear of the ligament fibers that causes a start of instability in the affected joint.
Grade 3: complete tear of ligament fibers with instability at the affected joint.
Muscle sprains or bruises
What is a muscle:
Muscle is a tissue made up of fibers that have the ability to contract and produce movement.
3 grades of muscle sprains
Grade 1: partial stretching/tearing of certain muscle fibers
Grade 2: partial tear of muscle fibers and loss of strength
Grade 3: complete tear of muscle fibers and loss of function
How to treat a ligament or muscle sprain?
Applying some basic principles on how to manage sprains can help optimize the condition and recover more quickly.
R: REST: Avoid or reduce activities that reproduce the pain. Depending on the intensity of pain, the use of a cane, crutch or brace may be necessary for initial management of symptoms.
E: ELEVATION: When sitting or lying down, position your ankle higher than your knee, even better, higher than your heart. If necessary, place a few cushions under the knee to maximize your comfort.
C: COMPRESSION: Applying a compression bandage during the day can help reduce swelling and limit mobility of the joint. Be careful to apply it properly so as not to create a blood circulation stop.
E: EXERCISES: gradually started moving and putting weight while respecting the pain. Starting to move gradually again will activate blood circulation in the painful area, which will help healing. Do exercises guided by your therapist at VIVA Physio.
Health to promote healing and allow a return to functional and sports activities.
The use of anti-inflammatory drugs and ice has long been used for management of acute sprains for pain control and swelling reduction. Currently, the latest scientific research questions this systematic practice in traumatic injuries. Ice should be used if it helps to relieve pain, but it should not be the only method used to promote healing and should be applied for a short period of time after the injury.
It is also important that any use of medication be guided by a physician or pharmacist.
Duration of ligament or muscle sprain:
In most cases, you can resume your sports activities after one to three weeks for mild sprains; four to six weeks for moderate sprains and six weeks to three months for severe sprains. The diagnosis of a sprain may also be associated with a fracture or other injury to the musculoskeletal system. Your physiotherapist will be able to assess this possibility and guide you to the appropriate examinations and to your doctor if necessary.
Why and when to see a physiotherapist?
It is important to consult a health professional such as a physiotherapist or sports therapist when you have a ligament and/or muscle sprain in order to optimize the healing process for a functional return to your daily activities and your sports activities.
Your physiotherapist will guide you through this process to restore mobility to the joint, reduce swelling, stabilize the joint with strengthening and muscle control exercises. It will also guide you on the gradual return to activities and your return to sports.
To consult one of our professionals in this field:
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