Sprain Definition, Reason, Symptoms, Treatment & Prevention
Understanding
Sprain or sprains in medical language can be interpreted as sprains or strains. A sprain is an injury to a ligament, while a strain is an injury to a muscle or tendon. Ligaments are the tissues around joints that connect one bone to another, while tendons are the links between bones and muscles.
Sprains are injuries that often occur in all walks of life. This often happens when exercising. Usually when changing direction or speed suddenly, falling and landing incorrectly, and when colliding with people or objects.
Sprains often occur in the knees, heels, wrists, and thumbs. Strains often occur in the upper limbs and back as in the hamstring (thigh) and lumbar (lower back) muscles.
Symptoms
Sprain symptoms are distinguished for each sprain and strain. Signs of a sprain include:
- pain around the joints
- unable to use joints
- unable to bear the load on the joints
- swelling, bruising and pressure pain
Symptoms of a strain include:
- swelling, bruising or redness
- pain in a sprained muscle while at rest
- pain in a sprained muscle or joint while in use
- spasm or muscle stiffness when the muscles contract and pain
- weakness or even complete loss of function of the sprained muscle
Reason
The causes of sprains, both sprains and strains are different. Sprains are caused by excessive pressure on the joints. So that the ligaments become too stretched, twisted or even torn. Meanwhile, strains are caused by muscles that are stretched beyond the limit or contracted too quickly. So that the muscles are stretched or torn.
Diagnosis
Doctors can determine the diagnosis of a sprain, either sprain or strain, from the symptoms and physical examination. Usually, additional investigations are rarely required. However, if a fracture is suspected, the doctor will recommend taking an X-ray photo.
Treatment
Sprains can usually be treated at home. Initial handling of sprains that can be done includes PRICE, namely:
- Protection, which protects a sprained ligament or muscle
- Rest, which is resting the sprained ligament or muscle
- Ice, which cools the sprained ligament or muscle
- Compression, namely pressing the sprained ligament or muscle
- Elevation, which is raising or elevating a sprained ligament or muscle
Sufferers of sprains should immediately move the joint when it is painless. Whereas in patients with strains, the muscles should be immobilized or not moved for several days.
Painkillers such as paracetamol can also be used to relieve pain. Usually, sprains will recover in 6-8 weeks.
Prevention
Preventing sprains can be done by making the following efforts:
- Wear shoes that match the activity to be carried out
- warm-up before exercise
- stretch or cool down after exercise
- Do strength and flexibility exercises regularly