A sprain happens when a ligament—a tough, stretchy band that connects bones—gets stretched too far or even torn. This can be a partial tear or a complete one. Ligaments help keep your joints stable, so when they’re injured, it can be painful and limit movement.
When to Get Medical Help
You should see a doctor right away if:
- You can’t put weight on the injured leg, the joint feels unstable or numb, or you can’t move it properly. This could mean a full ligament tear. While heading to the doctor, apply a cold pack to the area.
- You notice a change in skin color or streaks spreading from the injury. This could be a sign of infection.
- The pain is directly over the bones of the injured joint.
- You’ve hurt the same area multiple times before.
- The sprain is severe—waiting too long for treatment can lead to long-term pain and instability.
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Common Symptoms
The most common places to get a sprain are the ankles, knees, and wrists. When you sprain a ligament, it usually swells up quickly, hurts a lot, and may bruise. In general, the more pain and swelling you have, the worse the injury is. If it’s a mild sprain, you can often treat it at home.
How to Treat a Sprain
The best way to handle a sprain is to follow the R.I.C.E. method:
Rest – Avoid putting weight on the injured area for at least 48 to 72 hours. Your doctor might recommend crutches or a brace for support.
Ice – Apply a cold pack, ice bath, or a compression sleeve filled with cold water to reduce swelling. Ice the area for 15-20 minutes, 4-8 times a day, for the first two days. Always put a thin towel between the ice and your skin to avoid damage.
Compression – Wrap the injured area with an elastic bandage to keep swelling down.
Elevation – Keep the injured area raised on a pillow or cushion above your heart whenever possible. This helps reduce swelling.
Even if you have a sprained ankle, you can still exercise other parts of your body to maintain strength. For example, you can use a stationary bike with moving arm handles to work your upper body and your uninjured leg while letting the injured ankle rest.
Sprains can take anywhere from a few days to a few months to heal. As the pain and swelling go down, start using the injured area gently. It should improve over time. Over-the-counter pain relievers like ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) or acetaminophen (Tylenol) can help ease discomfort.
Preventing Future Sprains
Before returning to sports or workouts, you need to regain strength and stability in the injured area. A physical therapist or sports medicine expert can teach you exercises to help with healing and reduce the risk of re-injury.
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When to Call Your Doctor
Sprains can sometimes be more serious than they seem. If your symptoms don’t improve after two or three days, check in with a doctor—there’s a chance you could have a broken bone or another serious injury.
