Pediatrics Common Questions, Quick Answers

Sprains

Donna D'Alessandro, M.D.
Lindsay Huth, B.A.
Peer Review Status: Internally Reviewed
Creation Date: February 2002
Last Revision Date: April 2002

• What is a sprain?
• What can cause a sprain?
• What are the symptoms of a sprain?
• How is a sprain treated?
• How long will it take to heal?
• How can sprains be prevented?
• When should I call the doctor?

What is a sprain?

• A sprain occurs when the ligaments are injured (stretched or torn). The ligaments are tissues that connect the bones at the joints.
• Most sprains happen around the knees, ankles, or fingers.

What can cause a sprain?

• Most sprains happen from a sudden wrench or twist.
• Sprained ankles commonly result from tripping or turning the ankle the wrong way.

What are the symptoms of a sprain?

• Sprains can be mild or severe, depending on whether the ligaments were stretched or torn.
• Sprains usually cause pain, tenderness, swelling, or bruising to the injured area.
• It may be hard to move the injured area.

How is a sprain treated?

For treatment, follow the steps of RICE-- Rest, Ice, Compression, and Elevation.

• Rest: Use the injured body part as little as possible.
• Ice: Put an ice pack on the injury to keep it from swelling. Put a towel between the ice pack and the skin. The ice pack can be gently held to the area using an elastic band. Ice about 15 minutes every hour for the first couple of days.
• Compression: Wrap an elastic band around the area. This will give it support and bring down swelling.
• Elevation: Keep the injured area raised. For example, prop up a sprained ankle on a pillow or chair. This will help bring down swelling and will ease pain.

• After 48 hours, heat can be put on the injury. Apply heat for about 15 minutes every hour. Use a heating pad; warm, wet towels; or soak the injury in warm water.
• Begin using the injured area slowly as pain allows.
• Wrap a bandage around the injury to give support to joints. If the bandage makes the area around the injury feel numb or tingly or if the skin changes color, the bandage is too tight. Take it off and rewrap it more loosely.
• Use a cane or crutches if walking is painful.
• If the doctor uses a splint for the injury, follow the directions for caring for the splint when showering and sleeping.
• Using acetaminophen (such as Tylenol) or ibuprofen (such as Advil) may help ease pain.
• If the skin around the injury is discolored or swollen, call the doctor.
• Sprains in young children can lead to complications. If your child has not completed puberty and has a sprain, call the doctor.

How long will it take to heal?

• If treated with care, a moderate sprain usually takes 6 to 8 weeks to heal.
• More severe sprains may take longer to heal.

How can sprains be prevented?

• Stretch the muscles and warm up before physical activities.
• Ask the doctor or a fitness expert for examples of stretching exercises.

When should I call the doctor?

• Call the doctor if the skin around the injured area is discolored or swollen.
• Call the doctor if symptoms, such as pain, bruising, and swelling, get worse or do not improve.
• Call the doctor if the area below the injury (such as the foot if an ankle is sprained) is cold, numb, or looks blue or gray.
• If your child has a sprain and has not yet completed puberty, call the doctor.

Quick Answers

• A sprain occurs when the ligaments are injured.
• Most sprains happen from a sudden wrench or twist near a joint, such as the ankle or knee.
• Sprains usually cause pain, tenderness, swelling, or bruising to the injured area.
• For treatment of a sprain, follow the steps of RICE-- Rest, Ice, Compression, and Elevation.
• A sprain takes about 6 to 8 weeks to heal.
• To prevent sprains, stretch the muscles and warm up before physical activities.
• Call the doctor if the area below the injury is cold, numb, or looks blue or gray.

References

• Columbia University College of P & S Complete Home Medical Guide. Common First Aid Procedures: Sprains. (cited 2002 January 16). Available from: http://cpmcnet.columbia.edu/texts/guide/hmg14_0022.html#14.61
• Health Square. Sprained Ankle. (cited 2002 January 16). Available from: URL: http://www.healthsquare.com/mc/fgmc0706.htm
• Health Square. Sprained Ligament. (cited 2002 January 16). Available from: URL: http://www.healthsquare.com/mc/fgmc0737.htm
• Steele R. Sprains. ParentsPlace. (cited 2002 January 16). Available from: URL: http://www.parentsplace.com/features/safety/articles/0,10335,258910_10887,00.html

See related Patient Topics Bones, Joints and Muscles, Injuries and Wounds or Sprains and Strains.

See related Provider Topics Bones, Joints and Muscles or Injuries and Wounds.

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