Sprains

Sprains are common injuries that damage the ligaments in your joints. At Acute Care Orthopedics in West Hills, California, experienced surgeons Umesh Bhagia, MD, and Nicolas Vardiabasis, DO, specialize in providing fast treatment for musculoskeletal injuries like sprains. You can receive prompt care for your sprain with on-site diagnostic imaging and same-day appointments. Call Acute Care Orthopedics today to schedule a consultation or book an appointment online. 

What are sprains?

Sprains are injuries affecting the ligaments. These tough, elastic connective tissues attach the bones to each other in your joints. Sprains happen when you overstretch the ligaments.

Mild sprains damage the ligament’s elasticity, while moderate sprains cause some tearing. A severe strain can rupture the ligament, separating it from the bone.

What causes sprains?

Sprains can happen for many reasons. Any awkward movement can overstretch the ligaments causing a sprain. Twisting or bending your ankle to one side is a common cause of sprains.

Many sprains happen when playing sports or exercising. The additional effort of overreaching in the heat of the moment is something many athletes experience. Common sports injuries involving the ligaments include anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) and medial collateral ligament (MCL) sprains in the knees.

What symptoms do sprains cause?

Sprain symptoms vary depending on how severe it is. The common symptoms include:

• Sudden joint pain
• Swelling
• Tenderness
• Redness
• Weakness
• Instability
• Reduced range of motion
• Loss of function

A severe sprain can leave you unable to move the affected area or bear weight on a leg joint.

Severe sprain symptoms are similar to the symptoms of fractures, where a bone breaks. Treatment for these injuries is different, so getting an accurate diagnosis is necessary.

How are sprains treated?

First aid for sprains includes rest, ice, compression, and elevation (RICE). Don’t use the affected area. Put ice packs on at intervals, wrap a compression bandage around the injury, and, where possible, raise the injured area, so it’s higher than your heart. RICE prevents you from making the sprain worse and helps reduce swelling.

Mild sprains often heal with home care. But if yours doesn’t, or you have a moderate to severe sprain, visit Acute Care Orthopedics as soon as possible. They offer same-day appointments so you can get quick treatment without going to a hospital emergency room.

After assessing the sprain, your doctor will advise you on caring for the injury. They could fit a splint or brace, and you might benefit from anti-inflammatory medication. If the injury is severe, your doctor will likely need to schedule surgery to repair or reconstruct the ligament.

Call Acute Care Orthopedics today or book an appointment online for prompt, expert care of your sprain.