Common but treatable injuries by Tana Suggs
Source: Northfulton.com
February 28, 2008
by Tana Suggs
Sprains are common injuries that occur when the ligaments are stretched or twisted beyond normal range from abnormal movement.
Although ankle sprains occur year round and while performing everyday activities, many ankle sprains are sports-related injuries.
Frederic S. Chi, M.D., an orthopaedic care specialist with Southern Orthopaedic Specialists at the Wellness Performance Institute in Suwanee said sports-related ankle sprains can occur while participating in most all sports, but the majority of sprains tend to occur while playing such sports as basketball, gymnastics, soccer and running.
Chi said the severity of a sprain falls into one of three categories; grade one, grade two and grade three.
A grade one sprain is a mild sprain with some slight stretching of the ligament. The ankle may have some swelling, but in most cases, the patient is able to tolerate some weight on the affected ankle.
Chi said for treatment of grade one sprains, patients can follow RICE—rest the ankle, ice the injury, use compression dressing or bandages, and elevate the ankle. Ibuprofen or Motrin can also be used for pain relief and to help reduce inflammation. Grade one sprains generally heal quickly.
A grade two sprain is a moderate sprain which can include partial tearing or stretching of the ligament. Chi said in general, a grade two sprain has tenderness and swelling, and can take anywhere from two to six weeks to heal.
“Grade three is the most severe type of sprain,” said Chi. “Usually they (patients) are not able to put weight on it right away, and they have more looseness because there is more tearing or stretching of the ligament.”
Grade three sprains can include a complete tear of the ligament with significant swelling and tenderness.
“A grade three sprain can take six to eight weeks to heal or even more,” he said
Because an injury in younger patients can affect the growth plate, Chi said it is very important for children up to the age of 15 or 16 to see a physician to make sure there is no growth plate injury or fracture.
And for all sprains, if pain and swelling persists, patients should see a physician.
According to Chi, treatment for sprains can include x-rays, and a brace, and for more severe sprains, crutches and therapy exercises may be prescribed.
While ankle sprains are not totally avoidable, there are a few things Chi said athletes can do to minimize the risk.
Stretching exercises for the legs and ankles after a light warm up can be effective in minimizing ankle injuries.
If you have a history of ankle injuries, Chi said wearing an ankle brace or ankle support can help alleviate injury.
Also, having a general awareness of the terrain can help. Chi said this is especially important for runners since ankle sprains can occur due to variations in the running surface.
Chi completed a sports medicine fellowship at The Hughston Clinic in Columbus, and his specialties include orthopaedics, sports medicine and arthroscopy. In addition, he has been a physician for several sports teams, including professional hockey and soccer teams in New York and Georgia.
Southern Orthopaedic Specialists is headquartered in Atlanta with offices in several metro Atlanta areas including Suwanee and Duluth. Specialty areas include orthopaedics, physiatry, diagnostic imaging, physical therapy and orthotics.
For more information on Southern Orthopaedic Specialists visit http://www.sos-atlanta.com.