Ligament Sprains Treated in Magnolia & Vintage Park, TX
A ligament sprain is an injury to a tough band of tissue that connects the bones on either side of a joint. Sprains often affect ligaments around the ankles, knees, wrists, and thumbs. Usually, the injury occurs when the joint twists or turns excessively, causing a ligament to become overstretched or torn.
Ligament sprains frequently develop during sporting activities, but they can also result from everyday accidents, such as missing a step or stumbling while walking. If you think you might have a sprain, you should see a medical provider as soon as possible. Although most ligament sprains are not serious, the symptoms can be similar to those of a broken bone, which requires immediate medical attention. For instance, both a sprain and a fracture can cause pain, tenderness, swelling, bruising, and stiffness around the injury site.
How Is a Sprain Diagnosed & Treated?
To evaluate your injury, a medical provider will typically begin by asking how it happened, discussing your symptoms, and examining your injured joint. If needed to rule out a bone fracture or joint dislocation, the provider may order an imaging test, such as an X-ray.
Most ligament sprains can be treated at home with traditional “PRICE” therapy, which involves:
- Protecting the injury with a supportive splint, cast, brace, or boot
- Resting to keep weight off the injured ligament
- Applying ice to the painful area as needed
- Compressing the sprained ligament with an elastic bandage
- Elevating the injured limb above heart level
Additionally, an over-the-counter pain reliever or nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) may be taken to alleviate pain and swelling. While mild ligament sprains often resolve within a week to 10 days, a more severe sprain can take up to several weeks to fully heal.
Do You Need Medical Attention?
On your own, it can be hard to determine whether you have a sprain or a broken bone. Come to Medella Urgent Care in Magnolia or Vintage Park, Texas, where you can have your injury promptly evaluated by an experienced medical provider and receive treatment, if necessary.
Contact Medella Urgent Care today to learn more about our comprehensive health care services, on-site imaging capabilities, and treatment options for ligament sprains.
