Attention, chocolate lovers: You may not be able to help yourselves. Swiss and British scientists have linked the widespread love of chocolate to a chemical "signature" that may be programmed into our metabolic systems.
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Sprains
- Overview, Causes, & Risk Factors
- Symptoms & Signs
- Diagnosis & Tests
- Prevention & Expectations
- Treatment & Monitoring
- Attribution
Overview, Causes, & Risk Factors
A sprain is a stretch or tear of a ligament. A ligament is a band of tissue that connects two bones. The sprain occurs when the ligament is extended beyond the normal range for a particular joint.
What are the causes and risks of the injury?
Sprains occur when a joint is knocked out of position by a fall, hard blow, or other injury. Some common causes of sprains include the following:
Symptoms & Signs
What are the signs and symptoms of the injury?
Following are some of the symptoms of a sprain:
Diagnosis & Tests
How is the injury recognized?
The healthcare provider will do a medical history and physical examination, checking for the slackness that will occur in a sprained joint. An X-ray may be ordered to check for bone fractures.
Prevention & Expectations
What can be done to prevent the injury?
An individual can lower the risk of sprains by taking the following measures.
Treatment & Monitoring
What are the treatments for the injury?
Apply the RICE technique: Rest, Ice, Compression and Immobilization, and Elevation.
Medications that reduce pain and inflammation, such as aspirin or ibuprofen, may be taken. Aspirin should never be given to children 19 years of age or younger, since it is associated with a disorder known as Reye's syndrome.
What are the side effects of the treatments?
Pain medications and anti-inflammatory medications may cause stomach upset or allergic reaction.
What happens after treatment for the injury?
Most sprain injuries take from 4 to 6 weeks to heal. It is important to allow these areas to heal fully and properly before going back to usual activities. It is also important that the sprained area be protected for several months after the injury, since there will be some weakness. Problems may worsen if the injured area is not protected or if activity is resumed too soon after the injury. Any new or worsening symptoms should be reported to the healthcare provider.
Attribution
Author:James Broomfield, MD
Date Written:
Editor:Ballenberg, Sally, BS
Edit Date:04/30/01
Reviewer:Eileen McLaughlin, RN, BSN
Date Reviewed:08/09/01