Sprain is a broad term for any ligament damage, and includes a variety of injuries. Sprains are divided into three grades based on the extent of damage to the ligaments. A grade one sprain indicates the least damage while a grade three sprain indicates extreme damage.
Grades are a useful way to categorize how badly damaged a joint's ligaments are after an injury. Ligaments make up the complex network of connective tissues that both holds the joint together and lets it move. Ligaments are similar in many ways to tendons, so they are often confused, but ligaments hold together joints while tendons attach muscle to bone. Sprains are injuries to ligaments only. Damage to tendons is referred to as tendinitis (or tendonitis)..
Differences in Treatment of Grades of Sprains
Not all sprains are equal, and neither are their treatments. A sprained joint can have a delayed response to the injury. This makes it very important to see a doctor for the injury immediately. Even when it doesn't seem necessary. The most common treatment for a sprain - either as first aid or medium term care - is the RICE method. This steps of this procedure are REST, ICE, COMPRESSION, and ELEVATION. Each of the steps, and their order, help with a full recovery. By following the RICE procedure, you'll be able to avoid most of the swelling and the following discomfort. The injury will even heal faster.
Grade 1 Sprain
Grade one sprains are generally minor injuries. As a minor sprain, there isn't any tearing to the ligaments, just some uncomfortable stretching. Mild sprains hurt too, but it usually is only for a short time. Grade one sprains only need a little rest and care to return to normal.
It's very easy to get a mild sprain. A twist, a bump, or a bend in the wrong direction can result in a little lingering soreness. A twisted ankle that's sore but you can still walk on. Tweaking a wrist catching a fall or regaining your balance is also a prime example.
Grade 2 Sprain
Second degree sprains are the middle ground of sprains. While they are unlikely to cause permanent problems, they are much more painful and could require significantly more care. In a grade two sprain, the ligaments have been stretched to the point of tearing, but only partially.
Though the recovery times of sprains vary among individuals, a grade two sprain usually heals in two to four weeks with adequate care, though it could take longer depending on a number of factors. It's important to give the joint lots of rest and to not resume normal activity until it has fully recovered. Again, it's a good idea to follow the RICE method immediately after the injury.
Grade 3 Sprain
A third degree sprain is by far the most serious. It means that the injured ligament is completely torn or ruptured. The pain is typically excruciating, and following the injury the joint may become completely immobilized. Thankfully for the average citizen, these injuries are far more common among athletes involved in contact sports. For the unfortunate athlete, however, third degree sprains can result in career-ending damage.
Surgery is often required to fully repair a grade 3 sprain. Even with surgery and physiotherapy, these sprains can take months to heal. Even with time and rest, a grade three sprain may linger as a permanent or semi-permanent injury requiring long-term care.
Grades are a useful way to categorize how badly damaged a joint's ligaments are after an injury. Ligaments make up the complex network of connective tissues that both holds the joint together and lets it move. Ligaments are similar in many ways to tendons, so they are often confused, but ligaments hold together joints while tendons attach muscle to bone. Sprains are injuries to ligaments only. Damage to tendons is referred to as tendinitis (or tendonitis)..
Differences in Treatment of Grades of Sprains
Not all sprains are equal, and neither are their treatments. A sprained joint can have a delayed response to the injury. This makes it very important to see a doctor for the injury immediately. Even when it doesn't seem necessary. The most common treatment for a sprain - either as first aid or medium term care - is the RICE method. This steps of this procedure are REST, ICE, COMPRESSION, and ELEVATION. Each of the steps, and their order, help with a full recovery. By following the RICE procedure, you'll be able to avoid most of the swelling and the following discomfort. The injury will even heal faster.
Grade 1 Sprain
Grade one sprains are generally minor injuries. As a minor sprain, there isn't any tearing to the ligaments, just some uncomfortable stretching. Mild sprains hurt too, but it usually is only for a short time. Grade one sprains only need a little rest and care to return to normal.
It's very easy to get a mild sprain. A twist, a bump, or a bend in the wrong direction can result in a little lingering soreness. A twisted ankle that's sore but you can still walk on. Tweaking a wrist catching a fall or regaining your balance is also a prime example.
Grade 2 Sprain
Second degree sprains are the middle ground of sprains. While they are unlikely to cause permanent problems, they are much more painful and could require significantly more care. In a grade two sprain, the ligaments have been stretched to the point of tearing, but only partially.
Though the recovery times of sprains vary among individuals, a grade two sprain usually heals in two to four weeks with adequate care, though it could take longer depending on a number of factors. It's important to give the joint lots of rest and to not resume normal activity until it has fully recovered. Again, it's a good idea to follow the RICE method immediately after the injury.
Grade 3 Sprain
A third degree sprain is by far the most serious. It means that the injured ligament is completely torn or ruptured. The pain is typically excruciating, and following the injury the joint may become completely immobilized. Thankfully for the average citizen, these injuries are far more common among athletes involved in contact sports. For the unfortunate athlete, however, third degree sprains can result in career-ending damage.
Surgery is often required to fully repair a grade 3 sprain. Even with surgery and physiotherapy, these sprains can take months to heal. Even with time and rest, a grade three sprain may linger as a permanent or semi-permanent injury requiring long-term care.
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To find out additional info about sprains, please visit AllAboutSprains.Com and read some of our posts on the subject. If you or someone you know has a sprain, please take a look at the RICE method.. This article, Grades of Sprains has free reprint rights.