Sprained Ankle (cont.)
How are sprains and strains
treated?
Reduce Swelling and Pain
Treatment for sprains and strains is similar and can be
thought of as having two stages. The goal during the first stage is to reduce
swelling and pain. At this stage, doctors usually advise patients to follow a
formula of rest, ice, compression, and elevation (RICE) for the first 24 to 48
hours after the injury. The doctor may also recommend an over-the-counter or
prescription nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug, such as aspirin or ibuprofen, to help
decrease pain and inflammation.
For people with a moderate or severe sprain, particularly
of the ankle, a hard cast may be applied. Severe sprains and strains may require
surgery to repair the torn ligaments, muscle, or tendons. Surgery is usually
performed by an orthopaedic surgeon.
It is important that moderate and severe sprains and strains be
evaluated by a doctor to allow prompt, appropriate treatment to begin. The
information above lists some signs that should alert people to consult their
doctor. However, a person who has any concerns about the seriousness of a sprain
or strain should always contact a doctor for advice.
Begin Rehabilitation
The second stage of treating a sprain or strain is
rehabilitation, whose overall goal is to improve the condition of the injured
part and restore its function. The health care provider will prescribe an
exercise program designed to prevent stiffness, improve range of motion, and
restore the joint's normal flexibility and strength. Some patients may need
physical therapy during this stage.
When the acute pain and swelling have diminished, the health
care provider or physical therapist will instruct
the patient to do a series of exercises several times a day. These are very
important because they help reduce swelling, prevent stiffness, and restore
normal, pain-free range of motion. The health care provider can recommend many
different types of exercises, depending on the injury. For example, people with
an ankle sprain may be told to rest their heel on the floor and write the
alphabet in the air with their big toe. A patient with an injured knee or foot
will work on weight-bearing and balancing exercises. The duration of the program
depends on the extent of the injury, but the regimen commonly lasts for several weeks.
Another goal of rehabilitation is to increase strength
and regain flexibility. Depending on the patient's rate of recovery, this
process
begins about the second week after the injury. The health care provider or
physical therapist will instruct the patient to do a series of exercises
designed to meet these goals. During this phase of rehabilitation, patients
progress to more demanding exercises as pain decreases and function improves.
The final goal is the return to full daily activities,
including sports when appropriate. Patients must work closely with their health
care provider or physical therapist to determine their readiness to return to
full activity. Sometimes people are tempted to resume full activity or play
sports despite pain or muscle soreness. Returning to full activity before
regaining normal range of motion, flexibility, and strength increases the chance of re-injury and may lead to a chronic problem.
The amount of rehabilitation and the time needed for full
recovery after a sprain or strain depend on the severity of the injury and
individual rates of healing. For example, a moderate ankle sprain may require 3
to 6 weeks of rehabilitation before a person can return to full activity. With a
severe sprain, it can take 8 to 12 months before the ligament is fully healed.
Extra care should be taken to avoid re-injury.
Next: Can sprains and strains be prevented? »
- Muscle Cramps - Get information on muscle cramps causes (vitamin deficiency, drugs, lactic acid, dehydration, low calcium, potassium or magnesium), treatment and prevention.
- Lower Back Pain - Get information on causes of lower back pain (arthritis, pregnancy, herniated disc, sciatica, spinal stenosis, endometriosis, ovarian cysts), includes back pain treatment and diagnosis.
- Knee Pain - Read about knee pain causes (osteoarthritis, arthritis), symptoms (swelling, stiffness) and treatment (exercises). Learn about knee anatomy and knee injuries.
Latest Medical News
Exercise & Fitness RSS