Sprains often happen when a part of the body is twisted or hit in a way that forces the joint out of its normal position.
Sprains are a common injury that can happen to anyone at any age. They can occur when you're playing sports, walking or even doing everyday activities. We're going to explore what sprains are, what causes them, how to recognize the symptoms and what you can do to treat them.
A sprain is an injury to a ligament. Ligaments are strong bands of tissue that connect bones to each other and they help keep your joints stable. When a ligament is stretched too far or tears, that's called a sprain.
Sprains often happen when a part of the body is twisted or hit in a way that forces the joint out of its normal position. The twisting can stretch or tear the ligaments. Some common causes of sprains include:
While you can't prevent all sprains, there are things you can do to lower your risk:
Remember, sprains are common and can happen to anyone. But with the proper care, they usually heal well. Don't wait to get help if you have a sprain. See a doctor to get the appropriate treatment and return to your normal activities as soon as possible.
If you have a sprain, you might notice:
If you think you have a sprain, it's important to see a doctor. They can examine the injury and tell you how severe it is. They might also take an X-ray to make sure you don't have a broken bone.
To help heal a sprain, you can remember the word "RICE":
Over-the-counter pain relievers can also help with pain and swelling.
