What causes a sprain?

• Ligaments hold bones together where they meet at a joint. They stabilize the joint, but they allow it to move.
• A sprain is partial or complete tear of the ligaments.
• Sprains occur when a joint is bent or twisted.

What are the symptoms of a sprain?

• Swelling
• Bruising
• Pain
• Stiffness

How is a sprain diagnosed?

• Sprains are suspected based on the circumstances of the injury and the examination.
• Sometimes an x-ray is taken to be sure the problem is a sprain of a ligament and not a fracture of the bone.
• For ankle and foot injuries, if you can walk after the injury and the tender area is not over a bone, you are unlikely to have a fracture, and more likely to have a sprain.

Is surgery necessary for sprains?

• Most sprains heal with time. Some completely torn ligaments at specific sites are sometimes considered for surgery or reconstruction.
• Movement and stretching are important to limit stiffness.
• Symptoms are managed with external support (splint or buddy taping to an adjacent finger) and simple pain relievers (e.g. acetaminophen and ibuprofen).

What is the prognosis?

• Sprains heal over weeks to months. Improvement can continue for a full year.
• Some severe ligament injuries may benefit from surgery or a period of immobilization.
• Athletes can generally return when they are comfortable enough to be effective.