Ligaments are the tough bands of tissue that connect a bone to another bone in a joint. A sprain is an injury to a ligament typically caused by overstretching such as rolling your ankle or bending your wrist backward.
Symptoms
- Joint pain
- SwellingStiffness
- Possibly associated with hearing or feeling a “pop” at the time of injury
- Bruising may be present
Treatment
- R.I.C.E.
- Rest – avoid activities that cause increased pain
- Ice
- Compression
- Elevation
- Anti-inflammatory medications
- Physical therapy
- Laser therapy
- Steroid injections to reduce swelling
- Acupuncture