Sprain

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Sprain

Sprains are injuries to the tough ropelike fibers (ligaments) that connect bone to bone. If you have a severe sprain, your symptoms may not be much different from those you would have with a broken bone. Health professionals rank sprains by degree of severity.

A first-degree sprain stretches the ligaments but does not tear them. Signs and symptoms may include:

Mild to moderate swelling and pain.
A stable joint that does not feel loose or wobbly.
Normal movement.

A second-degree sprain partially tears the ligaments. Signs and symptoms may include:

A pop or snap felt or heard at the time of the injury.
Moderate to severe pain and swelling.
Restricted movement.
Bruising.
Mild to moderate instability.

A third-degree sprain completely tears the ligaments. Signs and symptoms may include:

A pop or snap felt or heard at the time of the injury.
Mild to severe pain (pain is sometimes less in a complete tear than in a partial tear).
Severe swelling and bruising (often, but not always).
An unstable joint (feels wobbly or loose).
A grating sound or feeling.
A bulge (sometimes) at the site of a complete tear.
A change in sensation, such as numbness or tingling.

Recovery time for a sprain can vary, depending on a person's age and health and the severity of the sprain. A minor sprain in a healthy person may heal in a few days to a few weeks. A severe sprain can take several months to heal and may never heal completely, resulting in long-term pain, limited movement, deformity and instability of the joint, and repeated injuries.

First aid for a sprain includes rest (immobilization), ice, compression, and elevation. While a minor sprain will often heal well with home treatment, a moderate to severe sprain may require medical treatment, such as a cast or splint, physical therapy, medication, or surgery.

Credits

Author	Jeannette Curtis
Author	Caroline Rea, RN, BS, MS
Editor	Kathleen M. Ariss, MS
Editor	Susan Van Houten, RN, BSN, MBA
Associate Editor	Tracy Landauer
Associate Editor	Pat Truman
Primary Medical Reviewer	Patrice Burgess, MD - Family Medicine
Primary Medical Reviewer	Adam Husney, MD - Family Medicine
Primary Medical Reviewer	Kathleen Romito, MD - Family Medicine
Last Updated	May 25, 2007

Last updated:	May 25, 2007
Author:	Caroline Rea, RN, BS, MS
Reviewed By:	Kathleen Romito, MD - Family Medicine
Editors:	Susan Van Houten, RN, BSN, MBA, Pat Truman

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