Degrees And Types Of Sprains

The degrees and types of sprains are basically three, but they all have something in common: the involvement of a joint. A sprain is a ligament injury, since the main structure affected is a ligament or several at the same time.

The ligaments in question belong to some joint. It can be a sprained ankle, wrist, knee, shoulder, among others. However, by far the most common is the one that affects the ankle.

Ligaments are made up of fibers that have a certain elasticity. This physiologically permissible stretch provides mobility to the joints. The problem is that this flexibility is not infinite. When the movement exceeds the capacity of the ligament, then injury occurs.

We could say that a sprain is the stretching of an articular ligament beyond its capacity, even with the possibility of a tear. It is, in a sense, a dislocation as well, since the joint loses its line of stability and the normal form of contact between the bones that form it.

The two groups most affected by sprains are athletes and the elderly. The former due to frequent exposure to exercise-related injuries, and the latter due to the lack of flexibility that occurs with age.

Risk factors for sprains

Before developing the degrees and types of sprain that exist, it is important to know what are the risk factors that predispose to injury. Anyone can suffer from it, but some are more exposed due to their physical condition or the activities they carry out.

The most frequent risk factors are:

• Sports practice: the joints work too hard in certain sports. Exercise stresses the ligaments, and a wear and tear sprain can eventually occur. It can also happen untimely due to trauma during practice or a bad footprint.
• Age: the older there is less flexibility. Ligaments stiffen over time and joints stiffen. Of course, this factor is also influenced by the degree of physical activity that the person has done during his life.

• Overweight: by having more weight on our body, the joints have to bear a greater load. Even if you are not doing an impact sport, the obese body can sprain walking on flat ground. The joints of the lower limbs are the most affected.
• Sedentary: the lack of physical activity deteriorates the joints. This can cause an injury when trying to perform an exercise that we are not used to, or when starting a sport abruptly.

Symptoms of sprains

The primary symptom of a sprain is pain. The affected joint and the tissues around it hurt. The same suffering can act as a limitation of functionality. Those who suffer from it report inability to move.

Along with pain, there is inflammation in all grades and types of sprain. The damaged joint increases in size and swelling is yet another component that limits functionality.

The change in coloration is another sign. Stretching a ligament is accompanied by the rupture of small veins and arteries that surround it. This will create a bruise on the skin of the joint. The hematoma will change its color according to the passage of time, according to the evolution of hemoglobin.

Finally, a rise in temperature is recorded due to inflammation. Soft tissues feel warm around the joint from the movement of inflammatory cells that migrate to the region.

Degrees and types of sprains

As we already anticipated, there are 3 degrees and types of sprains. Let’s see the characteristics of each one below.

First grade

The ligament stretches without breaking. It hurts like all sprains, but the pain is bearable. There is also inflammation, but the functional impotence of the joint may not be so extreme. Normal movements should be able to take shape.

The medical indications in these cases are not intensive. Some rest is necessary, but it can be limited to a few days. It is even a possibility not to indicate any anti-inflammatory.

Second grade

The ligaments are not only distended in this case, but small tears of the ligament fibers appear. The pain is more intense than the first degree and the movements are quite limited.

Treatment involves immobilizing the joint for a time with bandages or splints. Anti-inflammatories, local cold placement and elevated foot are also indicated.

Third degree

It is the most serious form of sprain. The ligament stretches, breaks and loses contact with some of the bones where it was inserted. It will require surgical treatment to repair the injured tissue. Also, recovery will be slow, with a lot of rehabilitation and rest.

In conclusion

There are different degrees and types of sprain. By practicing a sport of a certain intensity, we are more exposed to suffering an injury of this type. It is important to take the pertinent precautions to prevent our ligaments from being damaged.

If you suffer a sprain it is important that you consult a traumatologist. He will determine the extent of the injury and what is the best treatment to apply. It may be necessary to carry out a complementary study to diagnose the degree of sprain you suffer.