Sprains

Sprains are caused when a joint is forced to move into an unnatural position. For example, "twisting" one's ankle causes a sprain to the ligaments around the ankle.

A sprain is an injury to the ligaments around a joint. Ligaments are strong, flexible fibers that hold bones together. When a ligament is stretched too far or tears, the area around the joint will become painful and swell.

The following steps may lower your risk for a sprain:

• Wear protective footwear during activities that place stress on your ankle and other joints.
• Make sure that shoes fit your feet properly.
• Avoid high-heeled shoes.
• Always warm-up and stretch before doing exercise and sports.
• Avoid sports and activities for which you have not trained.

Biundo JJ. Bursitis, tendinitis, and other periarticular disorders and sports medicine. In: Goldman L, Schafer AI, eds. Goldman-Cecil Medicine. 26th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2020:chap 247.

Geiderman JM, Torbati S. General principles of orthopedic injuries. In: Walls RM, ed. Rosen's Emergency Medicine: Concepts and Clinical Practice. 10th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2023:chap 41.

Wang D, Eliasberg CD, Rodeo SA. Physiology and pathophysiology of musculoskeletal tissues. In: Miller MD, Thompson SR. eds. DeLee, Drez, & Miller's Orthopaedic Sports Medicine. 5th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2020:chap 1.

Symptoms of a sprain include:

• Joint pain or muscle pain
• Swelling
• Joint stiffness
• Discoloration of the skin, especially bruising

Go to the hospital right away or call 911 or the local emergency number if:

• You think you have a broken bone.
• The joint appears out of position.
• You have a serious injury or severe pain.
• You hear a popping sound and have immediate problems using the joint.

Contact your provider if:

• Swelling does not start to go away within 2 days.
• You have symptoms of infection, including red, warm, painful skin or a fever over 100°F (38°C).
• The pain does not go away after several weeks.