Ankle Sprains Treatment in Downtown Long Beach, Bixby Knolls Long Beach, Paramount, CA

In addition to connecting bones and holding joints in place, ligaments also act as tough, elastic bands. Ligament sprains occur when ligament fibers tear, causing the ligament to be injured. There can be a partial tear or a complete rupture of the ligament.

The most common type of sprain is an ankle sprain. There are also common sprains of the knees, wrist, and thumbs. There is often swelling, and pain associated with sprained ligaments. Injury severity is generally determined by the degree of pain and swelling. Generally, you can treat minor sprains yourself.

The best first aid treatment for a sprain is the “R.I.C.E.” method.

The injured limb should be rested. You may need crutches for 48 to 72 hours after the injury to avoid putting any weight on the injured area. In the beginning, a splint or brace may also be helpful. Don’t avoid all activities, however.

It is usually possible to exercise other muscles even with an ankle sprain in order to minimize deconditioning. The injured ankle can be rested on another part of the exercise bike while your arms and uninjured leg are worked simultaneously. In this way, you can maintain your cardiovascular fitness while exercising your three limbs.

The area should be iced. After an injury, use a cold pack, a slush bath, or a compression sleeve filled with cold water to limit swelling. Immediately after the injury, apply ice to the area and continue to do so every four to eight hours for the first 48 hours, or until swelling subsides. It is important not to use ice for too long, as this could damage tissue.

Wrap the area in an elastic bandage or wrap it with an elastic wrap. It is best to wear compression wraps or sleeves made of elastic or neoprene.

To prevent or limit swelling, elevate the injured limb above your heart whenever possible.

It can take days to months for a sprain to heal. The injured area can be gently used as the pain and swelling subside. The improvement should be gradual and progressive. Ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin IB, others) and acetaminophen (Tylenol, others) are over-the-counter pain relievers that may help manage pain during healing.

Prior to returning to sports or fitness activities, the injured limb must be strengthened and stabilized. Strength and stability exercises provided by a physical therapist or other sports medicine provider can optimize healing and minimize the risk of repeat injury.

Sprains can also cause fractures, which are also serious injuries. If your sprain doesn’t improve after two or three days, see your doctor.

Ligaments – the bands of fibrous tissue that connect bones in your joints – are stretched or torn when a sprain occurs. You are most likely to suffer a sprain to your ankle.

Initially, rest, ice, compression, and elevation are recommended. Home treatment is effective for mild sprains. It is sometimes necessary to repair torn ligaments in severe sprains with surgery.

As opposed to strains, sprains injure the bands of tissue that connect two bones together, while strains involve injuries to muscles or to the bands of tissue that connect muscles to bones.

Patients can seek treatment for strains and sprains at Reddy Urgent Care clinics in Downtown Long Beach. While minor sprains can be managed at home when a sprain is particularly severe or painful it is important to receive medical care. Get the medical attention you need today and book your next appointment to meet with our team of medical professionals. We serve patients from Downtown Long Beach CA, Bixby Knolls Long Beach CA, East Side CA, Paramount CA, and Los Altos CA.