By coming here, you have taken the initiative to take control of your health and your financial future. When you hurt your ankle, it can initially be difficult to determine whether you are suffering from a sprain or a fracture. Unfortunately, without knowing what is wrong, you cannot determine the right course of treatment. What is a fracture? A fracture is simply a broken bone. A sprain is basically a ligament or tendon that has been stretched out, or maybe even torn.
If you are in tune with your body and pay careful attention to your own anatomy, you may be able to determine whether you have a sprain or a fracture. As you read the bullet points below, make sure to carefully evaluate each statement in comparison to your body.
Okay, if you are not familiar with human anatomy, there is a chance that the bullet list above did not help you much. However, there are ways to determine whether you are experiencing a sprain verses a fracture. Watch the injury and follow the RICE method for between two and four days.
What is the RICE method? Rest — Avoid using the injured area as much as possible. If the injury is your ankle, try not to walk on it for these two to four days. Ice — Ice the area. Wrap an ice pack in a small towel and apply it to the injury. Leave the ice on for 15 minutes, remove it for 15 minutes.
Cover the injured area with an ice pack wrapped in a thin towel for about 15 to 20 minutes, 3 to 4 times a day.
Using a pressure bandage helps prevent or reduce swelling. Use an elastic bandage and wrap the injured area without making it so tight that it will cut off the blood supply. Raise the injured area above the level of the heart. Prop up a leg or arm while resting it. You may need to lie down to get your leg above your heart level. Do all 4 parts of the RICE treatment at the same time. If you think you have a more serious injury, like a broken bone, call your healthcare provider right away.
No one is immune to sprains and strains. But here are some tips to help reduce your risk for injury:. Warm up before any sports activity, including practice, and use or wear protective equipment that's right for that sport.
Search Encyclopedia. If you've sprained your ankle, you know what severe pain is. But maybe that "sprain" was a "strain" or possibly even a "break. Just the facts Here are some facts on musculoskeletal injuries: Sprains are a stretch or tear of a ligament, the tissue connecting 2 bones. Sprains A sprain is caused by an injury that stresses a joint and overstretches or even ruptures supporting ligaments. This can happen from a fall, twist, or blow to the body, In a mild sprain, a ligament is stretched, but the joint remains stable and is not loosened.
Strains Acute strains are caused by stretching or pulling a muscle or tendon. Typical symptoms of a strain include: Pain Muscle spasm Muscle weakness Swelling Inflammation Cramping In severe strains, the muscle, tendon, or both are partially or completely ruptured, resulting in serious injury.
These are some common strains: Back strain. Breaks Bone breaks, unlike sprains and strains, should always be looked at by a healthcare provider to make sure of proper healing.
Athletes are most susceptible All sports and exercises, even walking, carry a risk of sprains. Treating injuries A severe sprain or strain may need surgery or immobilization, followed by physical therapy. Here's what to do: Rest. Prevention No one is immune to sprains and strains.
But here are some tips to help reduce your risk for injury: Take part in a conditioning program to build muscle strength. Do stretching exercises every day. Trouble moving. If you tear a muscle or tendon completely, it is very painful and hard to move. What causes them? What causes sprains and strains? Sprain Many things can cause a sprain. Sprains usually happen when you: Fall and land on an arm.
Fall on the side of their foot. Twist a knee. Strain A strain happens when you twist or pull a muscle or tendon. A sudden or acute strain is caused by: A recent injury. Lifting heavy objects the wrong way. Overstressing the muscles. Chronic strains usually happen when you move the muscles and tendons the same way over and over. Is there a test?
Is there a test for sprains and strains? Your doctor checks for a sprain or strain by: Asking about the injury. Examining the area of the injury. How are they treated? How are sprains and strains treated? To reduce swelling and pain in the first day or two, doctors usually say to: Rest the injured area.
If the ankle or knee is hurt, your doctor may tell you to use crutches or a cane. Put ice on the injury for 20 minutes 4 to 8 times a day. Compress squeeze the injury using special bandages, casts, boots, or splints. Your doctor will tell you which one is best for you and how tight it should be.
Put the injured ankle, knee, elbow, or wrist up on a pillow. Take medicines, such as aspirin or ibuprofen. Living With Them. Living with sprains and strains The goal is to get you back to your normal everyday activities, including sports if possible. It is important that you have the following before returning to normal activity or sports: Normal motion. Can I prevent them? Can I prevent sprains and strains?
You can help prevent sprains and strains by: Avoiding exercise or playing sports when tired or in pain. Eating a well-balanced diet to keep muscles strong. Maintaining a healthy weight.
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