Description Ligaments are stron...
Description
Ligaments are strong, fibrous bands of tissue that hold bones together near joints. This provides stability. Trauma or over use can stretch a ligament or cause microscopic tears, producing a sprain. Ligament sprains can cause enough swelling and pain that it makes use of the joint difficult or impossible.
Symptoms
Pain, swelling, mild redness, bruising, tenderness, decreased motion, a feeling of instability.
Tests
Common tests used for diagnosis and treatment
Workup:
A history and physical exam will be performed. An x-ray may be helpful to rule out a fracture. An MRI can identify the injured ligament and assess the extent of damage.
Tests:
Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), X-ray
Specialists:
Internal Medicine, Orthopedic Surgery, Pediatrics, Family Practice, Sports Medicine, Pediatric Sports Medicine, Podiatry, Sports Medicine Surgery
Workup:
A history and physical exam will be performed. An x-ray may be helpful to rule out a fracture. An MRI can identify the injured ligament and assess the extent of damage.
Tests:
Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), X-ray
Specialists:
Internal Medicine, Orthopedic Surgery, Pediatrics, Family Practice, Sports Medicine, Pediatric Sports Medicine, Podiatry, Sports Medicine Surgery
Treatment
Most mild sprains heal on their own with just rest. Treatment includes: immobilization, ice, elevation and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications/NSAIDs (ibuprofen/Motrin or Advil, naproxen/Naprosyn) and pain medications such as acetaminophen (Tylenol). Physical therapy and therapeutic ultrasound may be helpful. For severe sprains that do not improve with other treatments, more prolonged immobilization and/or surgery may be required.