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Stretching: causes, symptoms, diagnosis, treatment
Medical expert of the article
Last reviewed: 05.07.2025
Sprains are traumatic injuries of the ligamentous apparatus of joints, accompanied by their anatomical changes, but without damage to their integrity. Most often, sprains of the capsules and ligaments are observed, the most active in functional terms - the ankle and wrist. When sprained, the ligaments remain anatomically intact, but their extreme stretching subsequently does not allow them to quickly contract. In addition, hemorrhages and tears form in the thickness of the ligaments, leading to additional dysfunction.
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What causes a sprain?
The cause of a sprain is movement or traction that slightly exceeds the physiological capabilities of tissue elasticity. Sprains most often occur in the area of the joints - wrist, knee, ankle.
Symptoms of a Sprain
Strains clinically resemble bruises: pain, bruising, swelling in the joint area, dysfunction during physical exertion. Palpation reveals a sharp increase in pain in the area of ligament attachment and an attempt at passive movement in the joint. Hemarthrosis and synovitis may be present.
The pathological picture of a sprain is similar to a bruise, supplemented by fraying and rupture of individual fibers of injured tissues. The victim is bothered by pain at the site of injury and limited functions.
Where does it hurt?
Diagnosis of sprains
Anamnesis
Characteristic mechanism of injury in the anamnesis.
Inspection and physical examination
During examination, swelling, edema, and possibly a small local hemorrhage in the form of a bruise in the area of injury are detected. Here, pain is also detected during palpation and movement that repeats the mechanism of injury. The functions of the limb are limited due to pain. Rotational movements are especially painful.
Laboratory and instrumental studies
X-rays do not reveal any bone pathology.
Differential diagnosis of sprains
For differential diagnostics with ligament ruptures, radiography is performed with a load on the joint (support). In case of sprains, there is no radiographic disturbance of the joint anatomy. In case of ruptures, there is a divergence in the syndesmosis area or there are signs of joint instability.
X-ray diagnostics are mandatory to exclude an avulsion fracture.
Who to contact?
Treatment of sprains
Treatment of soft tissue sprains is no different from treatment of bruises.
Approximate period of incapacity
The treatment and recovery period generally ranges from 1 to 4 weeks.
Drugs