Health Library

Sprains

Joint sprain

A sprain is an injury to the ligaments around a joint. Ligaments are strong, flexible fibers that hold bones together. When a ligament is stretched too far or tears, the area around the joint will become painful and swell.

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Causes

Sprains are caused when a joint is forced to move into an unnatural position. For example, "twisting" one's ankle causes a sprain to the ligaments around the ankle.

Symptoms

Symptoms of a sprain include:

• Joint pain or muscle pain
• Swelling
• Joint stiffness
• Discoloration of the skin, especially bruising

First Aid

First aid steps include:

• Apply ice right away to reduce swelling. Wrap the ice in cloth. Do not place ice directly on the skin.
• Wrap a bandage around the affected area to limit movement. Wrap firmly, but not tightly. Use a splint if needed.
• Keep the swollen joint raised above your heart, even while sleeping.
• Rest the affected joint for several days.
• Avoid putting stress on the joint because it can make the injury worse. A sling for the arm, or crutches or a brace for the leg can protect the injury.

Aspirin, ibuprofen, or other pain relievers can help. DO NOT give aspirin to children.

Keep pressure off the injured area until the pain goes away. Most of the time, a mild sprain will heal in 7 to 10 days. It may take several weeks for pain to go away after a bad sprain. Your health care provider may recommend crutches. Physical therapy can help you regain motion and strength of the injured area.

When to Contact a Medical Professional

Go to the hospital right away or call 911 or the local emergency number if:

• You think you have a broken bone.
• The joint appears out of position.
• You have a serious injury or severe pain.
• You hear a popping sound and have immediate problems using the joint.

Contact your provider if:

• Swelling does not start to go away within 2 days.
• You have symptoms of infection, including red, warm, painful skin or a fever over 100°F (38°C).
• The pain does not go away after several weeks.

Prevention

The following steps may lower your risk for a sprain:

• Wear protective footwear during activities that place stress on your ankle and other joints.
• Make sure that shoes fit your feet properly.
• Avoid high-heeled shoes.
• Always warm-up and stretch before doing exercise and sports.
• Avoid sports and activities for which you have not trained.

References

Biundo JJ. Bursitis, tendinitis, and other periarticular disorders and sports medicine. In: Goldman L, Schafer AI, eds. Goldman-Cecil Medicine. 26th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2020:chap 247.

Geiderman JM, Torbati S. General principles of orthopedic injuries. In: Walls RM, ed. Rosen's Emergency Medicine: Concepts and Clinical Practice. 10th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2023:chap 41.

Wang D, Eliasberg CD, Rodeo SA. Physiology and pathophysiology of musculoskeletal tissues. In: Miller MD, Thompson SR. eds. DeLee, Drez, & Miller's Orthopaedic Sports Medicine. 5th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2020:chap 1.

Review Date: 4/27/2023  

Reviewed By: Linda J. Vorvick, MD, Clinical Professor, Department of Family Medicine, UW Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, WA. Also reviewed by David C. Dugdale, MD, Medical Director, Brenda Conaway, Editorial Director, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team.

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