Sprains, Strains, and Disclocations

Sprains, strains, and dislocations are common sports injuries, but can also occur with any acute injury. In some cases, a dislocation may strain the surrounding ligaments that keep the joint in place.

Sprains

Sprains occur when a ligament, the connective tissue that holds our joints together, is stretched or torn. Sprains are usually the result of an acute injury, such as a sudden twist of the limb or a fall onto your outstretched arm. Sprains most often occur in the ankles, knees, and wrists. Sprains are graded based on the severity of the injury.

• Grade 1 sprains are the most mild type of sprain. The ligament fibers are stretched and may be slightly damaged, but there is no tearing.
• Grade 2 sprains are moderate. The ligament is partially torn, and there may be a feeling of looseness in the joint when moving it in certain directions.
• Grade 3 sprains are the most severe. In this case, the ligament is completely torn, resulting in loss of joint stability and function.

Symptoms may vary based on the severity of the sprain, but commonly include pain, swelling, bruising, and inflammation at the site of the sprain. Mild sprains can generally be treated with rest, ice, compression, and elevation, while Grade 2 sprains may heal with bracing. Physical therapy may also be involved in the recovery process. Severe sprains may require surgery to repair the torn ligament.

Strains

Strains are similar to sprains, but occur in the muscles and/or tendons, which attach your muscles to your bones. Muscles or tendons may be overstretched, and may partially or completely tear. Strains can occur in different areas of the body, but are most common in the feet, legs, and back. Athletes who play contact sports like soccer, football, hockey, or wrestling are more susceptible to strains. Quick-start sports like hurdling, long jump, and running races also have a higher occurrence of strains.

Some sports put athletes at a higher risk for a particular type of strain. For instance, racquet and throwing sports tend to cause elbow strains, while hand sprains are common in sports that require extensive gripping, including gymnastics, tennis, rowing, and golf.

Symptoms can vary depending on the severity of the strain, but may include pain, muscle spasm, muscle weakness, swelling, inflammations, and muscle cramps. Many strains can be treated with rest, ice, compression, and elevation, but serious tears may require surgical repair.

Dislocations

Dislocations often occur with a fall or direct blow. The shoulder is one of the most commonly dislocated joints, but other areas like the hip, kneecap, or elbow may become dislocated as well. In some cases, a dislocation may result in damage to the surrounding tissues and nerves. Dislocations can cause swelling, numbness, instability, weakness, and bruising, in addition to a physical deformity. Hip dislocations are very serious; they often occur alongside other injuries and require immediate medical attention.

Doctors can usually put dislocated joints back into place with a process called a reduction. During a reduction, the joint is gently moved back into place using pressure. This process may require two medical professionals, and medication or sedatives may be administered beforehand to make the process less painful for the patient. After the reduction, the joint may be immobilized for a period of time while it heals.

If the patient has recurrent dislocations, surgery may be recommended to tighten the ligaments that hold the joint in place.

Treatment for Sprains, Strains, and Dislocations in Beaumont, TX

The orthopedic specialists at Beaumont Bone and Joint Institute treat a full range of acute and traumatic injuries to the musculoskeletal system, including sprain, strains, and dislocations. You don’t have to drive for miles to receive treatment for your injury. To learn more about sprains, strains, and dislocations, or to schedule an appointment with one of our skilled physicians, please contact us at (409) 838-0346.