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Dealing With Some Common Fitness-Related Ligament Sprains

 

It’s hard to know what to do about a sprained ligament. The pain is usually too intense to simply “walk off.” That is probably a bad idea anyway since this kind of injury increases the risk of further and more serious injuries. But a trip to the ER may not be in order either, as wait times can be long and short of splinting and giving your pain medication, hospitalists will recommend you see your primary physician for further treatment.

Especially since these wounds are so common, it’s important to understand the injury so that it does not completely derail the fitness routine you have worked so hard to establish.

How Do I Know I Sprained a Ligament?

Since both sprains and fractures cause intense pain, swelling, the inability to bear weight, and loss of mobility, it is not easy to tell the difference. Generally, if the swelling has not gone down in a day or so after you’ve administered the RICE method (more on that in a minute), the bone is probably broken. There are also some immediate indicators:

Sprains vary in degree as well. Sometimes, the area will only be tender to the touch or mildly painful.

Treating a Sprained Ligament

Even a rather severe sprain can be easily treated at home. The following method should begin producing noticeable results within twenty-four or forty-eight hours:

That recovery time varies according to the area and severity of the injury but usually lasts two to four weeks.

Common Fitness-Related Ligament Sprains

Whether because of trauma or a combination of overuse and poor mechanics, sprains are one of the most common fitness injuries. Here are some specifics:

Don’t ignore ligament sprains, but don’t panic over them either. Just take it easy for a couple of weeks and then get back into your normal routine.

By: Joe Fleming

Co-Founder, Vive Health
Cell: 239-248-2026
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