What should I do if I sprain my joint?

Author: Wu Peng, Second Affiliated Hospital of Air Force Medical University

Reviewer: Ding Yong, Chief Physician, Second Affiliated Hospital of Air Force Medical University

In daily life, whether it is a fierce competition on the sports field or an accidental fall on the way to work, joint sprain is a common accidental injury. It not only causes physical pain, but also may affect our daily activities and even leave sequelae. Therefore, it is very important to understand the correct treatment methods for joint sprains. Today, we will analyze in detail the coping measures after joint sprains to help you better protect yourself.

1. Understanding joint sprains

A joint sprain refers to an abnormal range of motion of a joint under the action of external force, which causes partial or complete tearing of the ligaments, muscles and other soft tissues around the joint, causing symptoms such as joint pain, swelling, and limited movement. Common sprains include ankles, knees, wrists, etc. The degree of sprain can be mild or severe. A mild case may only be a slight ligament strain, while a severe case may lead to serious consequences such as joint dislocation and fracture.

Figure 1 Copyright image, no permission to reprint

2. Preliminary judgment after joint sprain

After a sprain occurs, you should first make a preliminary self-assessment to understand the severity of the injury: observe whether there is obvious swelling or bruising at the sprained site; try to gently move the injured joint to see if there is severe pain or limited movement; at the same time, pay attention to check whether there are signs of fracture at the sprained site, such as deformity, bone friction sound, etc. If you suspect a fracture or severe ligament tear, you should stop the activity immediately and seek professional medical assistance.

3. Emergency treatment after joint sprain

So, when we accidentally sprain a joint, how should we deal with it to minimize the damage? Taking ankle sprain as an example, the principle of emergency treatment can be summarized as the "RICE" principle, namely rest, ice, compression and elevation.

The first step is to rest: stop moving immediately after a sprain to avoid further aggravating the injury. If conditions permit, you can use assistive tools such as crutches or wheelchairs to reduce the burden on the injured joint.

Step 2: Ice compress: Use ice packs or cold towels to cool the injured area for 15 to 20 minutes each time, and repeat every 2 to 3 hours. Ice compress helps constrict blood vessels, reduce bleeding and swelling, and relieve pain. Be careful not to put ice directly on the skin to avoid frostbite.

Figure 2 Copyright image, no permission to reprint

The third step is compression: Use an elastic bandage to apply pressure to the injured area to reduce swelling. The bandage should not be too tight to avoid affecting blood circulation. At the same time, the skin color, temperature and sensation of the bandaged area should be checked regularly to ensure that no compression injury has occurred.

Step 4: Elevate: Elevate the injured part above the level of the heart to use gravity to promote blood return and reduce swelling. This step is especially important when resting (including sleeping).

4. Medical treatment and further examination after joint sprain

After initial treatment, if the sprain symptoms persist or worsen, you should seek medical attention immediately. The doctor will conduct further examinations, such as X-rays, CT or MRI, based on the patient's symptoms and signs to confirm the diagnosis and develop an appropriate treatment plan. For severe sprains, such as those accompanied by fractures or ligament ruptures, surgical treatment may be required.

5. Rehabilitation training after joint sprain

The recovery process after a joint sprain requires time and patience. During the recovery period, patients should follow the doctor's instructions and conduct scientific and reasonable rehabilitation training. The purpose of rehabilitation training is to enhance the strength and stability of the muscles around the joint and restore the normal range of motion and function of the joint.

1. Early rehabilitation: In the early stage of sprain, gentle joint movement exercises and muscle isometric contraction exercises are mainly performed to promote blood circulation and reduce swelling. At the same time, braces or bandages can be used to protect the injured joints.

2. Mid-term rehabilitation: As the swelling and pain subside, the range of motion and strength of the joints can be gradually increased. At this time, some targeted strength training and balance exercises can be performed to enhance joint stability and prevent re-injury.

3. Late rehabilitation: When joint function is basically restored, comprehensive physical training and functional exercises can be carried out to restore the pre-injury exercise level and quality of life.

6. Prevention of joint sprains

Although it is difficult to completely avoid joint sprains, the risk of them can be greatly reduced by taking some preventive measures. First, do a thorough warm-up before exercise to improve the flexibility and adaptability of the joints; second, pay attention to maintaining the correct posture and movement standards during exercise, avoid excessive force and sudden changes in direction; in addition, wearing appropriate clothes, shoes and protective gear can also provide additional protection for the joints.

It should be noted that everyone's physical condition and recovery ability are different, so when dealing with joint sprains, you should flexibly adjust according to your actual situation. If you encounter any questions or discomfort, you should consult a professional doctor or rehabilitation therapist for advice in a timely manner.