At the risk of stating the obvious, all sprains are different. Sprains are generally categorized into three grades - or degrees - based on severity. The grades of sprain go from one to three, with grade one sprains being the least serious and three being the most serious.
Grades are a useful way to categorize how badly damaged a joint's ligaments are after an injury. Ligaments make up the complex network of connective tissues that both holds the joint together and lets it move. Ligaments are similar in many ways to tendons, so they are often confused, but ligaments hold together joints while tendons attach muscle to bone. Sprains are injuries to ligaments only. Damage to tendons is referred to as tendinitis (or tendonitis)..
Different Treatments for Different Sprains
Different grades of sprains require different levels of treatment. Soft tissue damage like a sprain can be deceptive, though, so for any sprain, it's recommended to seek medical attention. This is even true for a relatively minor sprain. For first aid or ongoing treatment, however, it's best to use the RICE method or one of its variations. RICE is an acronym for Rest, Ice, Compression, and Elevation, each of which is an important part of treating any grade of sprain. RICE is designed to reduce swelling, the cause of most problems associated with sprains.
Grade 1 Sprain
Grade one sprains are generally minor injuries. As a minor sprain, there isn't any tearing to the ligaments, just some uncomfortable stretching. Mild sprains hurt too, but it usually is only for a short time. Grade one sprains only need a little rest and care to return to normal.
It's very easy to get a mild sprain. A twist, a bump, or a bend in the wrong direction can result in a little lingering soreness. A twisted ankle that's sore but you can still walk on. Tweaking a wrist catching a fall or regaining your balance is also a prime example.
Grade 2 Sprain
Second degree sprains are the middle ground of sprains. While they are unlikely to cause permanent problems, they are much more painful and could require significantly more care. In a grade two sprain, the ligaments have been stretched to the point of tearing, but only partially.
These sprains usually need two to a month to get better. Every sprain is different, though, so other factors like care and diet can contribute. Sprains weaken the ligaments, though, so it's best to wait until the joint fully recovers before returning to routine activities. Most medical professionals recommend the RICE method for immediate care, with physiotherapy exercises to follow.
Grade 3 Sprain
Grade three sprains are the most serious of the grades of sprain. The damage to a ligament in this grade of sprain is extreme, often a complete rupture, or at the very least a severe tear. A severe sprain like this will almost certainly damage the joint beyond use, and it's generally very painful. These injuries are only common among those who stress their joints to their limits, especially through heavy physical activity and contact sports. These sprains can severely limit a joints range of motion for a very long time, one reason why they are so feared by athletes and trainers.
Grade three sprains often require an operation for make a full recovery. Grade three sprains are notorious for being slow to heal, however, regardless of the quality of care. A third grade sprain can frequently come back as a recurring injury, though, especially if it's not properly rehabilitated in the first place.
Grades are a useful way to categorize how badly damaged a joint's ligaments are after an injury. Ligaments make up the complex network of connective tissues that both holds the joint together and lets it move. Ligaments are similar in many ways to tendons, so they are often confused, but ligaments hold together joints while tendons attach muscle to bone. Sprains are injuries to ligaments only. Damage to tendons is referred to as tendinitis (or tendonitis)..
Different Treatments for Different Sprains
Different grades of sprains require different levels of treatment. Soft tissue damage like a sprain can be deceptive, though, so for any sprain, it's recommended to seek medical attention. This is even true for a relatively minor sprain. For first aid or ongoing treatment, however, it's best to use the RICE method or one of its variations. RICE is an acronym for Rest, Ice, Compression, and Elevation, each of which is an important part of treating any grade of sprain. RICE is designed to reduce swelling, the cause of most problems associated with sprains.
Grade 1 Sprain
Grade one sprains are generally minor injuries. As a minor sprain, there isn't any tearing to the ligaments, just some uncomfortable stretching. Mild sprains hurt too, but it usually is only for a short time. Grade one sprains only need a little rest and care to return to normal.
It's very easy to get a mild sprain. A twist, a bump, or a bend in the wrong direction can result in a little lingering soreness. A twisted ankle that's sore but you can still walk on. Tweaking a wrist catching a fall or regaining your balance is also a prime example.
Grade 2 Sprain
Second degree sprains are the middle ground of sprains. While they are unlikely to cause permanent problems, they are much more painful and could require significantly more care. In a grade two sprain, the ligaments have been stretched to the point of tearing, but only partially.
These sprains usually need two to a month to get better. Every sprain is different, though, so other factors like care and diet can contribute. Sprains weaken the ligaments, though, so it's best to wait until the joint fully recovers before returning to routine activities. Most medical professionals recommend the RICE method for immediate care, with physiotherapy exercises to follow.
Grade 3 Sprain
Grade three sprains are the most serious of the grades of sprain. The damage to a ligament in this grade of sprain is extreme, often a complete rupture, or at the very least a severe tear. A severe sprain like this will almost certainly damage the joint beyond use, and it's generally very painful. These injuries are only common among those who stress their joints to their limits, especially through heavy physical activity and contact sports. These sprains can severely limit a joints range of motion for a very long time, one reason why they are so feared by athletes and trainers.
Grade three sprains often require an operation for make a full recovery. Grade three sprains are notorious for being slow to heal, however, regardless of the quality of care. A third grade sprain can frequently come back as a recurring injury, though, especially if it's not properly rehabilitated in the first place.
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To learn more about sprains, please visit AllAboutSprains.Com and have a look around. If you or someone you know has recently suffered a sprain, please take a look at the RICE method.