As you know if you've ever sprained a wrist or ankle, not all sprains are equal. In fact, there are three distinct grades of sprains. The three grades of sprains go from a first grade sprain (the mildest) to the third grade sprain (very severe).
The grade or degree of sprain indicates how badly stretched or torn the ligaments are as a result of injury. A ligament is a band of flexible connective tissue that hold a joint together while allowing it to move. Ligaments are distinct from tendons, which are the connective tissues that adhere muscles and bones together. Sprains are their own class of injury, defined as a stretching or tearing of ligaments.
Varying Treatments
Each of the three grades of sprains has its own requirements for treatment. Due to the complexity of the joints, however, self-diagnosis and treatment isn't recommended. This is the case even for apparently minor injuries. The RICE method of caring for the sprain is generally considered the most effective immediate and medium-term treatment. RICE stands for Rest, Ice, Compression, and Elevation. Each has a part to play in alleviating a sprains symptoms. The purpose of RICE is primarily to prevent swelling, thus preventing the discomfort as well as facilitating healing.
Grade 1 Sprain
Grade 1 sprains are the least serious of the three sprains. In these sprains, the ligament has been stressed but not extensively damaged. These sprains definitely hurt, but they rarely result in complications. Between RICE and an extended rest, it doesn't take a grade one sprain long to heal.
First degree sprains are very common. Any excessive twist or impact of a joint could result in one. A rolled ankle that makes you limp for a day or two might be an example. Or spraining a thumb by catching it on the edge of a table.
Grade 2 Sprain
These are sprains of a medium severity. Second degree sprains generally heal completely. Being more serious, however, they are more painful and take longer to heal. The defining characteristic of these sprains is that the ligament has been damaged, but not fully torn or ruptured.
It's always difficult to pinpoint exactly how long a grade two sprain takes to recover. As a general rule, though, it typically takes two to four weeks to get better. Before getting back into regular activity, it's important to let the sprained joint fully heal. The RICE method will take care of the injury in the days after, and then physical rehabilitation can take over.
Grade 3 Sprain
A third degree sprain is by far the most serious. It means that the injured ligament is completely torn or ruptured. The pain is typically excruciating, and following the injury the joint may become completely immobilized. Thankfully for the average citizen, these injuries are far more common among athletes involved in contact sports. For the unfortunate athlete, however, third degree sprains can result in career-ending damage.
It's often necessary to have grade 3 sprains surgically repaired. These sprains will almost always require months to heal, however, even with expert care. Prevention is better than cure with these sprains, though, as they can sometimes be a chronic problem for some time.
The grade or degree of sprain indicates how badly stretched or torn the ligaments are as a result of injury. A ligament is a band of flexible connective tissue that hold a joint together while allowing it to move. Ligaments are distinct from tendons, which are the connective tissues that adhere muscles and bones together. Sprains are their own class of injury, defined as a stretching or tearing of ligaments.
Varying Treatments
Each of the three grades of sprains has its own requirements for treatment. Due to the complexity of the joints, however, self-diagnosis and treatment isn't recommended. This is the case even for apparently minor injuries. The RICE method of caring for the sprain is generally considered the most effective immediate and medium-term treatment. RICE stands for Rest, Ice, Compression, and Elevation. Each has a part to play in alleviating a sprains symptoms. The purpose of RICE is primarily to prevent swelling, thus preventing the discomfort as well as facilitating healing.
Grade 1 Sprain
Grade 1 sprains are the least serious of the three sprains. In these sprains, the ligament has been stressed but not extensively damaged. These sprains definitely hurt, but they rarely result in complications. Between RICE and an extended rest, it doesn't take a grade one sprain long to heal.
First degree sprains are very common. Any excessive twist or impact of a joint could result in one. A rolled ankle that makes you limp for a day or two might be an example. Or spraining a thumb by catching it on the edge of a table.
Grade 2 Sprain
These are sprains of a medium severity. Second degree sprains generally heal completely. Being more serious, however, they are more painful and take longer to heal. The defining characteristic of these sprains is that the ligament has been damaged, but not fully torn or ruptured.
It's always difficult to pinpoint exactly how long a grade two sprain takes to recover. As a general rule, though, it typically takes two to four weeks to get better. Before getting back into regular activity, it's important to let the sprained joint fully heal. The RICE method will take care of the injury in the days after, and then physical rehabilitation can take over.
Grade 3 Sprain
A third degree sprain is by far the most serious. It means that the injured ligament is completely torn or ruptured. The pain is typically excruciating, and following the injury the joint may become completely immobilized. Thankfully for the average citizen, these injuries are far more common among athletes involved in contact sports. For the unfortunate athlete, however, third degree sprains can result in career-ending damage.
It's often necessary to have grade 3 sprains surgically repaired. These sprains will almost always require months to heal, however, even with expert care. Prevention is better than cure with these sprains, though, as they can sometimes be a chronic problem for some time.
About the Author:
To find out additional info about sprains, please visit AllAboutSprains.Com and read some of our posts on the subject. If you or someone you know has a sprain, please take a look at the RICE method.
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