Sprains

To learn more about Sprains, listen to a short podcast about this subject!

What is a Sprain?

A sprain is an injury of the ligament that is generally caused by a sudden over-stretching. The ligament is usually only stretched, but sprains can sometimes be snapped, slightly torn, or ruptured, all of which are more serious and require more time to heal. A strain is similar, but occurs in a muscle instead of a ligament.

How can I take care of it?

A good way to remember how to care for your injury is by thinking about the "PRICE" of it:

Protect the area from further injury
Rest the area and reduce motion
Ice the area several times a day (10-15 minutes at a time). Do not apply ice directly to the skin.
Compression : wrap the area to reduce inflammation, anti inflammatory medication may help as well.
Elevation of the area as close to the heart as possible

NOTIFY YOUR DOCTOR right away, return to ZoomCare, or go to the Emergency Department immediately in case of the following:

If you are experiencing numbness
If your skin turns blue
If your general health condition worsens