A sprain of the body occurs when a ligament, which is a strong, fibrous band of tissue that connects bones at a joint, is stretched or torn. This injury can happen when excessive force is applied to a joint during physical activity, such as a sudden twist, fall, or impact.
When a sprain occurs, one or more ligaments may be affected, leading to pain, swelling, bruising, and difficulty in moving the injured joint.
Sprains can occur in any joint of the body, but there are certain areas that are more vulnerable to injury due to falls and trauma. Both the upper and lower parts of the body are susceptible to sprains. The three most common areas where sprains occur are the ankle, knee, and wrist.
This kind of sprain commonly occurs when the foot rotates towards the centre while you are running, changing direction, or landing on the ankle after jumping. The ankle is especially susceptible to sprains, especially during activities that involve jumping, running, or abrupt changes in movement. The ligaments in the ankle can become stretched or ripped, which causes pain, swelling, and restricted ability to move.
Usually, this happens following an impact to the knee or a tumble. A sudden rotation of the knee can lead to a ligament sprain. The knee is also a common site for sprains, especially when participating in sports that require pivoting, twisting, or abrupt halts. The ligaments in the knee can be stretched too far or torn, resulting in discomfort, lack of stability, and challenges in walking or flexing the knee.
Finally, the wrist is frequently injured in situations such as skating or gymnastics, as well as incidents that involve forcefully bending the wrist. Pain, inflammation, and weakened ability to grip or twist are common symptoms of a sprained wrist. It is crucial to exercise caution and employ preventative measures to prevent sprains in these susceptible parts of the body. This type of sprain commonly occurs when a person falls and lands on their hand with the arm extended.
When you sustain a sprain, it can be frustrating and painful. However, with the help of a physical therapist, you can unlock your body’s healing potential and regain strength and mobility in your joint.
Our Physical therapists are experts in the field of musculoskeletal injuries and will work with you to develop a personalised treatment plan. They will teach you specific exercises and provide you with a home exercise program to prevent the injured joint from becoming stiff. Over time, the exercises will be increased gradually to build strength and balance, particularly in cases of ankle and knee sprains.
Our ultimate goal is to get you back to your pre-injury level of activity and even strengthen the affected joint beyond its initial state. With the guidance and expertise of our physical therapists, you can ensure a safe and effective recovery, allowing you to return to exercise and sports programs with confidence.