How can sprains be treated? (Expert advice)

Most people take sprains too lightly and do not do much about them. This may not only cause short-term loss of function but can also harm you in the long term. We spoke to Dr. Rohit Mehta, Head of the

By: Pavitra Sampath | | Published: October 29, 2013 11:32 am

Most people take sprains too lightly and do not do much about them. This may not only cause short-term loss of function but can also harm you in the long term. We spoke to Dr. Rohit Mehta, Head of the Physiotherapy Department at Sri Balaji Action Medical Institute, Delhi about how a person should take care of sprains.

The examining doctor will ask you how the injury has occurred and will examine the joint which is in pain. You may need X-rays to rule out a broken bone in the joint. With most sprains, you feel pain right away at the site of the tear. Often the joint starts to swell immediately. The affected joint is usually tender to touch, and it hurts while you try to move it.

In more severe sprains, you may hear and feel something tear, along with a pop or snap. If you have suffered a major sprain, you will have extreme pain initially and you may also be unable to walk or even put weight on your joint—especially if your lower leg has been affected. If these conditions do not occur, your sprain is not very severe.

The treatment and prognosis of the sprain depends on the grade of the strain. Now the grade is determined by the amount of force which caused the strain in the first place. Your doctor will be able to determine the grade with a proper examination.

Sprains can be prevented

Get fit before you play a sport. Learn and follow proper techniques, do not push your muscle past the point of fatigue. Warm up, cool down and stretch. Strengthening exercises and regular stretching for any fitness or work activity of yours, as part of an overall physical conditioning program, can aid in minimizing the risk of sprains.

How do you recover from a sprain?

1. For a sprain: R.I.C.E (rest, ice, compression and elevation) is the first line of treatment

Rest your joint
Ice should be immediately applied to the affected part. It helps in keeping the swelling down. It can be applied for 20 minutes to 30 minutes, three or four times daily. You can combine ice with wrapping. This will help you in lessening the amount of swelling, pain and dysfunction.
Compression dressings, bandages or ace-wraps immobilize and support the injured joint
Elevate your joint.

2. Medication

Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) may be used to control pain and inflammation.

3. Rehabilitation after a sprain

It is essential that a physiotherapist analyze the extent of the injury, how it is to be treated and then plan a personalized treatment plan for the patient. This way you will recover faster and regain complete mobility of the area.

After your injury, you will be given an exercise program by your physiotherapist that includes a range of motion exercises that will gradually progress to you being able to bear your weight fully on the injured part. For example, one simple exercise that is recommended in an ankle sprain, is to draw the letters of the alphabet with your toes. Gradually progressing to weight-bearing exercises.
Proprioception exercises (exercises that strengthen one’s sense of balance) and other balance exercise can help you recover more quickly and should actually be performed as part of a prevention program. Poor balance is a good predictor of future sprains. After an injury, balance training is essential for recovery.
In order to restore motion and flexibility you should increase the strength, power and endurance of the affected muscles and ligament. Finally, you must perform agility training to develop balance, coordination and mobility.

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Published : October 29, 2013 11:32 am

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