A sprain
or distortion is a joint injury. The natural range of motion of the joint
is briefly exceeded. As a result, the joint capsule and the associated
ligaments are severely overstretched. Cracks in the neighboring tissue
structures are also possible. Bleeding and swelling are typical.
In most
cases, there is a definite distortion trauma, i.e. an accident or an unexpected
external force that leads to injury. A distortion can occur in any joint,
but it is the most common
- in the foot,
- especially in the upper
ankle joint (ankle joint),
- in the wrist
- and in front of the knee.
The
whiplash trauma is known, which leads to a twisting of the cervical spine
(cervical spine distortion), as can happen, for example, in a car accident when
the head is jerked backwards.
Difference Between Sprain,
Bruise, and Break
While the
definition According to a distortion at a joint of a violent overstretching is concerned, at a bruise bruised tissue and injured. External
force causes bleeding in the tissue (muscles, skin, tendons,
fasciae), resulting in a "bruise". If the bruises are
severe, the bleeding will last for a long time.
What causes a sprain?
A
distortion is always preceded by an overstretching of the affected
joint. In most cases, this overstretch results from sports injuries such
as twisting ankle while running or a twisted knee while playing soccer. A
sprained wrist is often the result of uncontrolled falls. Risk factors are
unfamiliar or highly stressful movements, as they can occur in sports through
the influence of other players.
In
addition, genetic stress can lead to a greater risk of injury. For
example, in people with weak ligaments, muscle weakness or hollow feet. In
these cases, the holding apparatus of the joints is naturally weakened, which
increases the susceptibility to sprains.
Video: stretching yes or no?
There are many unanswered
questions when it come to stretching: before or after exercise? Dynamic or
Static? Does stretching do anything at all? A sports orthopedist
provides the right answers.
These symptoms indicate a sprain
Identifying
a sprain is not difficult. The following symptoms are typical:
- Severe pain occurs immediately
after the accident .
- The area around the joint turns blue and there
is a bruise from injured blood
vessels.
- A swelling occurs,
which can be stronger or weaker depending on the degree of the injury.
- The joint can only be loaded to a very limited extent .
- The mobility of the
joint for turning decreases .
How does an examination work for
a sprain?
The
examination of the sprained joint is carried out in three stages.
- On the one hand, the anamnesis discussion with the patient is part of
it. This explains how the accident came about and what immediate
measures were taken.
- On the other hand, an examination of the
affected joint takes place. The focus is on careful palpation , through which the sensitivity to
pressure and the mobility of the joint is checked.
- As a rule, an imaging procedure such
as an ultrasound examination or
the creation of x-rays is also used
to diagnose a distortion . In this way, deeper injuries
such as a torn ligament or on the
bone can be discovered.
Treatment for a sprain
Treating
a sprain can be broken down into two phases. On the one hand, there
are immediate measures that can often still take place at
the scene of the accident. On the other hand, it is about further treatment by the doctor.
What should I do immediately if I
have a sprain?
It does
not matter whether it is a sprain on the ankle, knee or finger - in all cases
it is important to take immediate measures as quickly as possible. The
so-called PECH formula applies here. The letters stand for the following
methods:
- P for break : It is
about immediate relief and immobilization of the joint. In the event
of a sports accident, the sporting activity must be stopped. Further
exposure can make the sprain worse.
- E for ice: Cooling
reduces bruising and swelling caused by the sprain. You can use ice
packs or cold compresses for cooling. But be careful: the ice should
not come into direct contact with the skin, it can cause
frostbite. For example, wrap ice cubes in a cloth or use an ice
spray.
- C for compression :
A bandage that is not too tight (compression bandage) ensures that
bleeding does not spread in the tissue and provides the joint with stability. In
addition, an analgesic ointment can be applied to the joint under the
bandage in the event of a sprain.
- H for elevation: By
elevation, for example of the foot in the event of an ankle sprain, you
reduce the consequences of the injury. Less blood flows into the
injured joint and bleeding is reduced.
Home
remedies can also be used for measures according to the PECH formula, for
example for an ankle sprain. When cooling, wet compresses are possible and
arnica ointment can help against the pain.
These
measures can be carried out by the injured person or by someone
present. An exception is a distortion of the cervical spine. In this
case, in addition to immobilization, a doctor must be consulted immediately.
What is the next step in the
treatment of a distortion?
It is
advisable to have a doctor examine the sprained joint. The doctor
determines whether the joint is flexible enough for the injury or whether
ligaments have torn. As a rule, conservative treatment without surgery is
sufficient for a distortion.
This
includes immobilizing the joint, depending on the severity of
the injury, for example with an elastic bandage, an orthosis or a plaster
cast. It is also advisable to take painkillers . Additional ultrasound or electrotherapy can support the healing
process.
In the
further course of the treatment, the immobilized joint should be mobilized
again in order to restore the original mobility. This can be done with
physiotherapy in conjunction with independent mobility exercises.
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