People often underestimate their need for a doctor. After all, if it’s not broken or bleeding, is there much a doctor can do to help? Actually, yes. Even seemingly minor ligament injuries can become an ongoing problem without medical intervention. And this is especially true when it comes to sprains.
Fortunately, Thomas F. Saylor, MD, of Orthopaedic Care Specialists in North Palm Beach, Florida, can help. In this blog, Dr. Saylor explains more about what sprains are and what you should do if you sustain one.
The bones in your joints are held together by tissues called ligaments. And while these tough bands of tissue are flexible, they can be stretched too far. If they stretch too much or tear, the result is called a sprain.
A sprain can result in profound pain and instability in the affected area. Signs of a sprain can include:
A sprain can vary from mild to severe and affect any joint in the body, but these injuries are especially common in the ankles, knees, wrists, and thumbs.
If you sustain a sprain, it’s important to be evaluated by a medical professional as soon as possible to determine the extent of the damage, even if it’s minor. However, you should also know that in many cases, a minor sprain can improve with self-care at home.
Dr. Saylor recommends doing the following until you’re able to schedule an appointment:
It can take even minor sprains 7-10 days to heal, so it’s important to take steps to avoid putting unnecessary strain on the area until your symptoms improve.
While it’s important to see a medical professional if you sustain a sprain, it’s especially important to do so if you notice any of the following symptoms:
Similarly, seek emergency medical care if you experience severe pain, a joint that seems to be out of position, or a possible broken bone.
Treating a sprain will depend on the location and severity of the injury. As mentioned earlier, you may be able to treat a minor sprain with rest. In other cases, Dr. Saylor may recommend physical therapy, which can help improve range of motion and help the damaged ligaments heal.
If a sprain needs more advanced treatments, Dr. Saylor may recommend regenerative medicine treatments, such as platelet-rich plasma (PRP) therapy, which can help expedite the healing process.
And in some cases, a sprain may require surgery. In these cases, Dr. Saylor uses minimally invasive techniques whenever possible to repair the ligament and restore health and stability to the joint.
Did you sustain a sprain? Dr. Saylor can give you a thorough evaluation and discuss your treatment options. To learn more, call 561-260-5993 to request an appointment with Orthopaedic Care Specialists today.
