About this topic
When the ligaments around a joint are stretched or torn it is a sprain. Ligaments are strong flexible tissues which keep the bones connected and steady. Sprains most often affect your ankle. They are caused by sudden movements or twisting of the ankle when the joint is forced into an unnatural position. Your care depends on how bad the sprain is. ‚
View OriginalView Original
What care is needed at home?
- Ask your doctor what you need to do when you go home. Make sure you ask questions if you do not understand what the doctor says. This way you will know what you need to do.
- Rest. Allow your injury to heal before you do slow movements.
- Place an ice pack or a bag of frozen peas wrapped in a towel over the painful part. Never put ice right on the skin. Do not leave the ice on more than 10 to 15 minutes at a time.
- Prop your leg on pillows to help with swelling.
- Compression ¢ ˆ ’ An ACE wrap can be wrapped lightly around the injured area for support and to ease swelling.
- A brace or neoprene sleeve may be used for support and swelling.
- Use crutches to take pressure off an injured leg.
What follow-up care is needed?
Your doctor may ask you to make visits to the office to check on your progress. Be sure to keep these visits. Your doctor may send you to physical therapy to help you heal faster. ‚
What drugs may be needed?
The doctor may order drugs to: ‚
- Help with pain and swelling
Will physical activity be limited?
You may need to rest for a while. Limit movement of the injured area for a few days or until the pain is gone. Pain and swelling should get better over 2 to 3 days. You should not do physical activity that makes your health problem worse. Talk to your doctor if you run, work out, or play sports. You may not be able to do those things until your health problem gets better. ‚
What can be done to prevent this health problem?
- Warm up slowly and stretch. Do this before and after you work out or play sports. Use good ways to train, such as slowly adding to how far you run.
- Use proper clothing when you are playing sports. This may include ankle supports and elbow and knee pads.
- Wear shoes with good support.
- Do not wear high-heeled shoes.
When do I need to call the doctor?
- Signs of a very bad reaction. These include wheezing; chest tightness; fever; itching; bad cough; blue skin color; seizures; or swelling of face, lips, tongue, or throat. Go to the ER right away.
- Pain or swelling gets worse
- Joint feels unsteady
- Skin gets red or warm to touch
- Treatment is not working for you
- If you hear a popping noise or have sudden very bad pain
- Health problem is not better or you are feeling worse
Teach Back: Helping You Understand
The Teach Back Method helps you understand the information we are giving you. The idea is simple. After talking with the staff, tell them in your own words what you were just told. This helps to make sure the staff has covered each thing clearly. It also helps to explain things that may have been a bit confusing. Before going home, make sure you are able to do these: ‚
- I can tell you about my condition.
- I can tell you what may help ease my pain.
- I can tell you what I will do if I have more pain or swelling.
Where can I learn more?
National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases ‚
http://www.niams.nih.gov/Health_Info/Sprains_Strains/default.asp ‚
Consumer Information Use and Disclaimer
This information is not specific medical advice and does not replace information you receive from your health care provider. This is only a brief summary of general information. It does NOT include all information about conditions, illnesses, injuries, tests, procedures, treatments, therapies, discharge instructions or life-style choices that may apply to you. You must talk with your health care provider for complete information about your health and treatment options. This information should not be used to decide whether or not to accept your health care providers advice, instructions or recommendations. Only your health care provider has the knowledge and training to provide advice that is right for you. ‚
Copyright
Copyright ‚ © 2015 Clinical Drug Information, LLC and Lexi-Comp, Inc. ‚