what is the most common treatment ordered for a sprain

What happens if I don't treat a sprain properly?

In severe sprains, the ligaments can be partially or completely torn – sometimes leading to surgery. Treatment for sprains often involves rest and physical therapy. Appointments 216.444.2606. Appointments & Locations. Request an Appointment. Overview. Symptoms and Causes. Diagnosis and Tests. Management and Treatment.

What is the healing time for a sprain?

Manage Pain and Inflammation Give an over-the-counter NSAID (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug) like ibuprofen ( Advil, Motrin ), acetaminophen ( Tylenol ), or aspirin. Do not give aspirin to...

What are the treatment options for a sprain?

Jul 29, 2021 · Acute ankle sprains are commonly seen in both primary care and sports medicine practices as well as emergency departments and can result in significant short-term morbidity, recurrent injuries, and functional instability. Although nonoperative treatment is often successful in achieving satisfactory outcomes, correct diagnosis and treatment is important at the time of …

When does a sprain require medical treatment?

Feb 22, 2017 · Rest, Ice, Compression, and Elevation is the most common treatment ordered for a sprain during the first 24 hours. Log in for more information. This answer has been confirmed as correct and helpful. Search for an answer or ask Weegy.

How to heal a sprain?

An injury like a sprain requires a change in your normal routine to let the area heal. Ice: Apply an ice pack to the injured area for 10 minutes. Do this four to eight times a day. You can use a cold pack, ice bag or plastic bag filled with ice wrapped in a towel.

How to recover from a sprain?

The degree of sprain will determine the steps you will need to take in the recovery process. A physical therapist will work with you to regain strength and mobility in your joint. The therapist will teach you exercises, as well as give you a home exercise program, to prevent the injured joint from becoming stiff.

What is a sprain in the ankle?

Sprains of the Ankle, Knee and Wrist. Sprains are injuries where a ligament is stretched or torn within a joint. Common places you might have a sprain can include your ankle, knee and wrist. In severe sprains, the ligaments can be partially or completely torn – sometimes leading to surgery.

How to diagnose a sprain?

A sprain can be diagnosed in several ways, including: Through your doctor: Your doctor will take a history and do a physical exam to see if the history and exam are consistent with an injury to the joint which could have injured one or more ligaments.

What is a sprain in a ligament?

What is a sprain? A sprain happens when a ligament is stretched or torn. A ligament is a strong, fibrous band of rope-like tissue that connects two or more bones at a joint. When you have a sprain, you may have injured one or more ligaments.

What is a mild sprain?

Mild sprain: There is only a little stretching of the ligaments. Moderate sprain: There is a combination of stretching and a little tearing of the ligament. Severe sprain: There is a complete tear of the ligament.

What does it mean when you roll your ankle?

Rolling your ankle — either while running, changing direction or landing from a jump. Falling or slipping on a wet surface or uneven ground. Taking a blow to the body, including contact sports that cause a direct hit or a shift in balance and falls.

What is the best medicine for a sprained ankle?

In most cases, over-the-counter pain relievers — such as ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin IB, others) or naproxen sodium (Aleve, others) or acetaminophen (Tylenol, others) — are enough to manage the pain of a sprained ankle.

What to do if you have a sprain in your back?

Schedule an appointment or get emergency medical care for suspected sprains that don't respond to self-care strategies or that cause continued pain or instability. If your sprain is severe, you may be referred to a doctor who specializes in sports medicine or orthopedic surgery.

What does a physical exam for a foot injury look for?

During a physical, your doctor will examine your ankle, foot and lower leg. The doctor will touch the skin around the injury to check for points of tenderness and move your foot to check the range of motion and to understand what positions cause discomfort or pain.

How to heal a sprained ankle?

approach for the first two or three days: Rest. Avoid activities that cause pain, swelling or discomfort. Ice. Use an ice pack or ice slush bath immediately for 15 to 20 minutes and repeat every two to three hours while you're awake.

When is surgery performed on ankle?

In rare cases, surgery is performed when the injury doesn't heal or the ankle remains unstable after a long period of physical therapy and rehabilitative exercise. Surgery may be performed to:

How to stop swelling in ankle?

To help stop swelling, compress the ankle with an elastic bandage until the swelling stops. Don't hinder circulation by wrapping too tightly. Begin wrapping at the end farthest from your heart. Elevation. To reduce swelling, elevate your ankle above the level of your heart, especially at night.

How to restore ankle range of motion?

Therapy. Once the swelling and pain is lessened enough to resume movement, your doctor will ask you to begin a series of exercises to restore your ankle's range of motion, strength, flexibility and stability. Your doctor or a physical therapist will explain the appropriate method and progression of exercises.

What to do if you have a broken bone?

The doctor may need to immobilize the limb or joint with a splint, cast, or other device until healing is complete. Physical therapy can often be helpful to bring an injured joint back to normal.

What is the best medication for pain and inflammation?

Manage Pain and Inflammation. Give an over-the-counter NSAID (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug) like ibuprofen ( Advil, Motrin ), acetaminophen ( Tylenol ), or aspirin. Do not give aspirin to anyone under age 19. 3.

How to treat a swollen limb?

Ice for 20 minutes every hour. Never put ice directly against the skin or it may damage the skin. Use a thin towel for protection. Compress by wrapping an elastic (Ace) bandage or sleeve lightly (not tightly) around the joint or limb.

How to control swelling in finger?

RICE stands for: Rest the sprained or strained area. If necessary, use a sling for an arm injury or crutches for a leg or foot injury. Splint an injured finger or toe by taping it to an adjacent finger or toe . Ice for 20 minutes every hour.

What is the most common type of sprain?

Ankle sprains are the most common type of sprain. Wrist, knee and thumb sprains are also common. Sprained ligaments often swell rapidly and are painful. Generally, the greater the pain and swelling, the more severe the injury is. For most minor sprains, you probably can start initial injury treatment yourself.

How to reduce swelling after a sprain?

Ice the area. Use a cold pack, a slush bath or a compression sleeve filled with cold water to help limit swelling after an injury. Try to ice the area as soon as possible after the injury and continue to ice it for 15 to 20 minutes, four to eight times a day, for the first 48 hours or until swelling improves.

How to tell if a ligament is torn?

Get emergency medical assistance if: 1 You're unable to bear weight on the injured leg, the joint feels unstable or numb, or you can't use the joint. This may mean the ligament was completely torn. On the way to the doctor, apply a cold pack. 2 You develop redness or red streaks that spread out from the injured area. This may mean you have an infection. 3 You have pain directly over the bones of an injured joint. 4 You have re-injured an area that has been injured a number of times in the past. 5 You have a severe sprain. Inadequate or delayed treatment may contribute to long-term joint instability or chronic pain.

How long should you rest a sprained limb?

Rest the injured limb. Your doctor may recommend not putting any weight on the injured area for 48 to 72 hours, so you may need to use crutches. A splint or brace also may be helpful initially. But don't avoid all activity.

What to do if you have a swollen shin?

As the pain and swelling improve, gently begin using the injured area. You should feel a gradual, progressive improvement. Over-the-counter pain relievers, such as ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin IB, others) and acetaminophen (Tylenol, others), may be helpful to manage pain during the healing process.

How to treat a swollen limb?

If you use ice, be careful not to use it too long, as this could cause tissue damage. Compress the area with an elastic wrap or bandage. Compressive wraps or sleeves made from elastic or neoprene are best. Elevate the injured limb above your heart whenever possible to help prevent or limit swelling.

What does it mean when your leg is numb and you can't use it?

You're unable to bear weight on the injured leg, the joint feels unstable or numb, or you can't use the joint. This may mean the ligament was completely torn. On the way to the doctor, apply a cold pack.