Joint sprain

Proven content

Joint sprain is damage to the joint capsule due to an indirect mechanism, when the strength of the injury exceeds the strength of the joint capsule and the range of motion of the joint after the injury is greater than the physiological one. In the treatment of this type of injury, ice packs and elastic bandages are used. In more severe cases, immobilization may be necessary.

Joint sprain – definition

Joint sprain is damage to the joint capsule as a result of exceeding the physiological range of motion in the ankle joint. It is a very common condition with which patients visit an orthopedic doctor. This injury very often forces patients to give up physical activity and sometimes requires surgery.

Sprain of the joint – degrees

1. slight sprains (first degree) characterized by minimal hematoma and swelling of the joint area, no pathological movements and mild joint dysfunction; cold compresses are used in the treatment, plenty of rest; walking should also be kept to a minimum and the ankle should be stiffened with a bandage or elastic band;
2. medium sprains (XNUMXnd degree) – symptoms are much more intense than in the case of slight sprains, there are slight pathological movements; in this case, it is best to go to an orthopedist who will order the appropriate type of treatment. Gel preparations with anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties, such as Voltaren, are used in second degree sprains. It is also worth supplying the first aid kit with anti-swelling agents, eg Altacet. In addition, the patient should wear a special stabilizer with lateral stiffeners that immobilize the ankle joint. Your doctor may prescribe prophylactic heparin anticoagulant injections; rehabilitation of the ankle is important;
3. severe sprains (3rd degree) – the patient develops severe pain and swelling; there is great instability in the joint. The patient should wear a plaster cast for about XNUMX weeks, and after removing it for the next three weeks – a XNUMX/XNUMX stabilizer. Sometimes the orthopedist orders the brace to be put on right away, but thanks to the plaster and immobilization of the joint, the pain is relieved faster and the injury does not worsen.

Causes of a sprained joint

Damage to the joint occurs most often as a result of sudden and sudden plantar flexion and inversion of the foot. Injury can occur, for example, when running on an uneven surface or as a result of a jump and traffic accidents. This type of damage is also common in overweight or obese people. Other factors that increase the risk of a joint sprain are:

1. wearing the wrong footwear (e.g. very high heels),
2. practicing contact sports, e.g. football,
3. poor physical condition,
4. roller skating / skating,
5. skateboarding,
6. intense physical activity.

It should be remembered that improperly selected training strains the joints and, consequently, leads to sprains.

Important! A sprain should not be confused with a dislocation as there are two different injuries. Dislocation is characterized by the loss of contact between the articular surfaces of the talus and tibia as they move relative to each other, causing the joint to become deformed. As a rule, dislocation requires immediate intervention by a physician who must adjust it, and sometimes perform surgery.

If you want to strengthen your joints, regularly use the Joint Formula – Panaseus dietary supplement, which you can buy today at a promotional price on Medonet Market.

Joint sprain – symptoms

There are a number of symptoms that indicate an ankle sprain, including:

1. a bluish skin
2. sharp pain (usually on the side of the ankle joint)
3. pain that increases with movement
4. tenderness at the site of injury,
5. lack of stability in the pond,
6. limited joint mobility,
7. trouble walking.

How to recognize a sprained joint?

The correct diagnosis is made on the basis of the patient’s medical history, evaluation of the symptoms and clinical tests. During the examination, the doctor compares both joints, assessing the tenderness to pressure and the size of the swelling. In addition, the efficiency of the anterior and posterior sagittal ligaments, as well as tibiofibular ligaments, and the sagittal and triangular ligaments are assessed. X-ray examination is also performed (most often in the anterior-posterior, lateral and forks of the ankle projection). In turn, ultrasound is performed to assess the degree of ligament damage (in case of any doubts, an MRI is ordered).

Joint sprain – treatment

The choice of treatment method depends on how badly damaged the joint is. First aid is very important and consists of:

1. relieving the limb and resting;
2. cooling the damaged area as soon as possible in order to reduce swelling and pain (be careful not to cause frostbite !; do not apply ice directly to the skin;
3. the use of a pressure dressing in the form of, for example, an elastic bandage, which improves the stabilization of the joint;
4. lifting the limb upwards (above the level of the heart) – thanks to this, the outflow of blood is improved and thus the swelling will be reduced.

In the case of minor injuries, it is enough to cover the affected area with ice and apply an elastic bandage. On the other hand, moderate or severe sprains of the joint may end with a cast treatment. The plaster is usually inserted for about three weeks, during which the ligaments heal. With more serious sprains of the joint (e.g. the knee), it is often necessary to perform the procedure in the form of arthroscopy (it does not require opening the joint). Thanks to the use of this method, the patient returns to full physical fitness much faster and often returns home on the day of the procedure.

In addition, thromboprophylaxis is important, especially when the patient remains immobilized for a long time in a cast or a stabilizer that restricts movement. Then, injections of heparin are given.

Painkiller and anti-inflammatory ointments should be used on muscles and joints. We recommend, for example, Cryossil AZ – regenerating gel for the joint area, which reduces swelling and strengthens the tissues around the joint.

Sprain of the joint – rehabilitation

Severe joint damage requires subsequent rehabilitation which usually takes about 8 weeks. It is necessary for the patient to achieve full fitness. Various types of manual therapies and deep tissue massage are also helpful in rejuvenating the joint.

If there is serious damage to the joints, rehabilitation is necessary, which consists in performing specific movement exercises. Rehabilitation usually takes up to 8 weeks. Some severe injuries take longer to heal. For home exercises, you will need the AIREX Corona rehabilitation mat, available in various sizes at Medonet Market.

ATTENTION: each subsequent sprain of the joint poses a risk of recurrence of this episode. Subsequent sprains cause chronic instability of the joint, which in turn lead to the rapid wear of the joint surfaces and the formation of degenerative disease.

How to prevent joint sprains?

It is very important to choose the right footwear, especially for people who are actively practicing sports, e.g. volleyball, football or basketball. Well-chosen footwear should protect the ankle joint and have special inserts to prevent overloading. The use of pads is equally important. Physical effort should be increased gradually, it should not be too intense; you should take care of proper warm-up.