Description
An over-stretched or torn ligament. Any joint may be involved, but sprains are most common in the ankles, knees or fingers. Sprained joints have normal function except for decrease movement secondary to pain. Sprains cause pain, swelling and bruising of the affected joint. A strain is a stretched or torn muscle.
Symptoms
Pain, swelling, tenderness.
Tests
Common tests used for diagnosis and treatment
Workup:
A history and physical exam will be performed. Usually that is all that is needed for diagnosis. A X-ray may be done to rule out a bony injury. A MRI is needed to identify the specific ligament injury and to determine the severity of the damage.
Tests:
Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), X-ray
Specialists:
Internal Medicine, Orthopedic Surgery, Pediatrics, Family Practice, Sports Medicine, Pediatric Sports Medicine, Podiatry
Workup:
A history and physical exam will be performed. Usually that is all that is needed for diagnosis. A X-ray may be done to rule out a bony injury. A MRI is needed to identify the specific ligament injury and to determine the severity of the damage.
Tests:
Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), X-ray
Specialists:
Internal Medicine, Orthopedic Surgery, Pediatrics, Family Practice, Sports Medicine, Pediatric Sports Medicine, Podiatry
Treatment
Most sprains require only a brief period of immobilization. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications/NSAIDs (ibuprofen/Motrin or Advil, naproxen/Naprosyn) and pain medications such as acetaminophen (Tylenol) may be prescribed. More significant injuries may benefit from physical therapy.