Sprains

What are sprains?

Sprains occur when the ligaments surrounding a joint stretch too far or develop small tears.

Ligaments are tissue bands that connect bones. While durable, these tissues can stretch out or rupture during sports, repetitive movements, or a hard fall. Nearly any ligament in the body can suffer a sprain, but this type of injury most commonly affects the ankles, knees, fingers, and wrists.

EL Elyon MedPsych Services offers comprehensive medical care for adolescents and adults with a sprain. Telehealth visits are available for initial symptom evaluation and monitoring your treatment progress.

Acelise and the team provide referrals for imaging tests and diagnostic lab work to assess the severity of your injury. They customize a care plan based on test results to support ligament healing and also recommend strategies you can use to prevent additional tissue injuries.

When should I seek medical care for a sprain?

Schedule a virtual diagnostic evaluation at EL Elyon Medpsych Services if you experience a fall, sports injury, or other event that results in:

• Pain
• Swelling
• Bruising
• Joint instability
• Reduced range of joint motion

Acelise and the medical providers assess the severity of swelling and other sprain symptoms during a virtual visit. They may also request X-rays or other diagnostic tests from a local hospital or imaging center to identify tears in the ligament.

How are sprains treated?

Your treatment plan for a sprain depends on the severity of the injury and the type of symptoms you have.

Mild sprains may heal on their own with activity modification and ice therapy. You can also elevate the affected joint to minimize swelling.

Moderate to severe sprains may require a compression bandage to reduce swelling and address joint instability. If you sprain your ankle or knee, you might need crutches or another assistive device to keep weight off the affected joint while it heals.

Acelise and the team can recommend pain relievers or prescribe anti-inflammatories to ease pain and other symptoms. They can also provide resources you can use to protect your joints during strenuous activities and may refer you to a physical therapist to complete your healing.

Call EL Elyon Medpsych Services today to schedule a consultation for a sprain or book an appointment online.