What causes spraining?
A sprain is caused by either a direct or indirect injury (trauma) that knocks the joint out of position and overstretches, sometimes tearing the supporting ligaments. Examples of injuries that cause a sprain can include: Rolling your ankle — either while running, changing direction or landing from a jump.
What are sprains?
A sprain is a stretching or tearing of ligaments — the tough bands of fibrous tissue that connect two bones together in your joints. The most common location for a sprain is in your ankle. Initial treatment includes rest, ice, compression and elevation. Mild sprains can be successfully treated at home.
What is spraining a muscle?
Strains and sprains A strain is caused by overstretching or overexerting a tendon (attaches muscle to bone) or muscle. A sprain is caused by overstretching or tearing a ligament (connects bone to bone).
What does spraining something feel like?
With a sprain, you may feel a tear or pop in the joint as it happens. The joint may then feel either stiff or unstable. With a strain, you may have spasms or cramping in the affected muscle. The worse the sprain or strain, the harder it is to use the affected area.
Can you get a sprain from impact?
Falling, twisting, or getting hit can all cause a sprain. Ankle and wrist sprains are common. Symptoms include pain, swelling, bruising, and being unable to move your joint. You might feel a pop or tear when the injury happens.
How do you diagnose a sprain?
During the physical exam, your doctor will check for swelling and points of tenderness in your affected limb. The location and intensity of your pain can help determine the extent and nature of the damage. X-rays can help rule out a fracture or other bone injury as the source of the problem.
What is bony injury?
When you break a bone, healthcare providers call it a bone fracture. This break changes the shape of the bone. These breaks may happen straight across a bone or along its length. A fracture can split a bone in two or leave it in several pieces.