The Definiton of a Sprain

You’ve heard people say it a thousand times before: “I think I sprained my ankle!” but what really constitutes a sprain? A “sprain” is the definition of what happens to ligaments or tendons when they are twisted or stretched beyond their normal range of motion. Minor sprains result in ligaments or tendons being over stretched. More serious sprains can involve the actually tearing of a few or all of the strands that make up the compromised ligament or tendon

There are three different grades of sprains, grade one, grade 2, and grade 3. Grade one sprains maybe treated at home but grade two and three sprains will not heal properly unless they receive professional care.

Grade one sprains are the least severe out of the three. They occur when the ligaments or tendons are overstretched or pulled outside of their normal range of motion. Grade one sprains can be dealt with at home with the R.I.C.E. method. Rest the joint, place ice packs on the joint, compress the joint by taping it with an ace bandage, and keep the joint elevated. These often heal in as little as 2 to 3 days.

The second category, grade 2, involves the ligament or tendon being partially torn. They take more time to heal and may require physical therapy to completely mend back together. These may take weeks to recuperate from. You should seek professional help if you think you have a grade two sprain.

The third category, grade three, is the most extreme. This occurs when the ligament or tendon is completely severed. These will require surgery most of the time, as the ligaments or tendons need to be completely reconnected to ensure proper joint stability. These may take months to recover from. You should seek professional help immediately if you suspect your sprain is a grade 3.