It’s usual to get an injury while playing sports or exercising. However, continuing playing might after an injury might be risky. The problem is, your body is good at repairing itself and finding ways to allow you to keep going — even if you shouldn’t!
Let’s talk in detail about sprain, it’s causes, treatment options, the appropriate time to consult with a sports medicine doctor, and where you can go around Farmington Hills for outstanding orthopedic care.
What Is a Sprain?
A sprain refers to the stretching or tearing of your ligaments in the ankles, knees, and wrists. Sprains result from physical trauma, such as impacts or falls, overextending joints, or knocking them out of position.
Sprains can vary in severity. However, you will typically experience:
- Tenderness
- Bruising
- Instability
- Pain
- Swelling
How Do I Treat a Sprain?
The primary goal of treating sprains is to reduce pain and prevent further injury. Treatment options depend on the severity of your condition. Your sprains may need assistive devices or one of the following procedures:
RICE Method
RICE stands for Rest, Ice, Compression, and Elevation. It’s a standard method that many sports medicine doctors might use to treat an orthopedic injury in mild cases.
- Rest — The patient should cease physical activity.
- Ice — Apply ice to the affected area every 2-3 hours for no longer than 20 minutes to reduce swelling and pain.
- Compression — Compression also helps reduce swelling.
- Elevation — Elevate the affected body part to help drain fluid from it.
Pain Medication
Medications, such as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and acetaminophen, could help alleviate pain and reduce inflammation and swelling, encouraging faster recovery.
Physical therapy
Physical therapy may help in moderate to severe cases where recovery takes longer. A rehabilitation program helps patients regain strength and increase the range of motion of the injured area. Exercises can also accompany other forms of treatment, such as temperature therapy or manual therapy.
Immobilization
Immobilization aims to reduce pain and swelling, as well as promote healing. People may also be required to use casts or slings to support the bones and soft tissues. You may need to wear one for a few weeks to a few months.
Surgery
Particularly severe sprains may need surgical intervention. An orthopedic surgeon will repair the torn connective tissues or fractured bones during the operation. However, surgery is invasive and usually unnecessary; most orthopedic doctors go for conservative methods before resorting to surgical treatment.
How Long Should I Rest After a Sprain?
The recovery period from a sprain depends on your injury’s severity, ranging from two weeks to 6 months. Mild sprains might only require two weeks of rest, but more severe ones could take up to 6 months
Consulting your sports medicine doctor about post-operative activities and your recovery timeline is highly recommended.
When Should I See a Doctor?
Most people can treat their sprains with home remedies. However, if your symptoms persist, you might have to see a sports medicine doctor. Severe pain or numbness in the area may require tests and further evaluation, especially if the joint can’t move or bear weight.
Sports Medicine Doctor in Farmington Hills, MI
Recovery is critical when treating any orthopedic injury, including sprains; interrupting it might delay healing or even worsen the condition. If you have a sprain, you’ll need to rest, but the rest period depends on multiple factors. If you are unsure of the rest period and treatment options, visit no other than Tri-County Orthopedics.
Tri-County Orthopedics provides the best quality care in Farmington Hills. We offer a wide range of sports medicine treatment options for various common injuries — including sprains. Tri-County Orthopedics also specializes in general orthopedics, joint reconstruction, arthroscopic surgery, and traumatology.
To get started with your treatment and on the road to recovery, call our office today at (248) 474-5575. Alternatively, you can request an appointment online.
