From an interview with
Dr. Art Jordan
McLeod Orthopaedic Associates – Florence

A sprain is a stretching or tearing of ligaments — the tough bands of fibrous tissue that connect two bones together in your joints. Sports medicine specialist Dr. Art Jordan explains the best course of treatment for this common injury.

“Many sports-related injuries are caused by trauma that involves muscles, ligaments, tendons or bones. These injuries can range from dislocations and fractures to contusions, strains and sprains.

We commonly hear people spraining their ankle, but sprains can also occur in many other parts of the body, such as the knee, elbow or wrist. Treatment for a sprain includes RICE therapy, which stands for rest, ice, compression and elevation.

To prevent injury, athletes should avoid overuse of muscles and should train properly for each sport. Wearing correctly-fitted protective gear and warming up and cooling down can also help reduce the risk of injury.

If you experience a sports injury or you have pain for more than a few hours, schedule an appointment to be seen by a doctor. The sooner you seek treatment, the sooner you can return to play.”

So, how do you know if you have a sprain? While some sprains can be treated at home, there are four signs you may need to seek medical attention:

• You have pain, tenderness or weakness – often around your ankle, foot, wrist, thumb, knee, leg or back
• The injured area is swollen or bruised
• You cannot put weight on the injury or use it normally
• You have muscle spasm or cramping – where your muscles painfully tighten on their own.

To learn more about treatment options, speak with a sports medicine specialist near you.