Ligaments are dense bundles that consist of fibrous tissue. Their task is to hold joints and provide mobility. They are resilient and durable, with a minimum degree of extensibility. With their injury, a partial rupture of the fibers occurs.
General information
The severity of the injury depends on which structures were damaged. When the surface beams break, they speak of tension. In case of deep layer injury, a partial or total rupture is diagnosed. In this case, the joint almost completely loses mobility and stability, which can provoke damage to muscle tissue, nerve bundles and bones.
Causes
Sprains are mainly affected by children and people involved in sports. At risk are women who prefer high-heeled shoes. The number of injuries increases dramatically in the winter. Doctors distinguish the following causes that lead to gaps:
- unnatural joint movement;
- excessive load when falling;
- hit;
- weight lifting;
- sharp tension.
Doctors identify the most dangerous sports for the ligamentous apparatus. We are talking about football, gymnastics, martial arts, weightlifting and athletics, tennis. There are a number of factors that contribute to stretching:
- heavy weight;
- pathological condition of the joints;
- inflammatory processes;
- violation of the functions of nerve endings.
Classification
Traumatologists distinguish three degrees of severity of injuries associated with gaps. The first involves a violation of the integrity of a small area of fibrous tissue. In this case, the mobility of the joint is almost unchanged. There is swelling, moderate pain. Such an injury can be treated independently. To do this, you need to use drugs from the pharmacy. They are sold over the counter. Children are shown full-time consultation of a specialist.
The second degree is characterized by acute pain at the time of the injury. There is a rupture of not only external but also internal fibers. Joint damage is possible. Distinction of the second degree can be distinguished by an extensive hematoma and edema, which sometimes extends to the shin area.
The third degree is no longer partial, but complete separation of the ligamentous tourniquet. With it, joint instability is observed. Bruising, hematomas appear. When moving, severe pain occurs. Sometimes ligament rupture is confused with dislocation. For accurate diagnosis, radiography is required.
After therapeutic treatment of sprains, a rehabilitation course follows. It is aimed at restoring the tone of the muscle complex. Full recovery at the first degree of stretching usually occurs after a month. Often, a rupture of the third type requires surgical intervention. The recovery period may stretch for several months.
Professional injuries
Tennis players often suffer from elbows. Large and regular hand loads result in a partial rupture of the ligamentous bundles. There is swelling. Pain during movement appears. Runners face inflammatory processes in the area of the knee joints. The reason is frequent and intense friction.
The weak point of golfers is the forearm. Swimmers suffer knees. The ligamentous apparatus of the femoral joints gives a lot of trouble to jumpers. Similar injuries occur not only in professional athletes, but also in ordinary people. Most often, in the home, the ligaments of the ankle, knee, and wrist joint are injured. All injuries are characterized by severe pain, swelling and hyperemia.
First aid
If there is suspicion of a sprain, it is necessary to provide the victim with peace. The damaged part of the body should be tried to immobilize. A tight elastic bandage is best suited for this. If not, any tight dressing will do. Doctors recommend keeping the injured limb above body level. Shows a cold compress, ice, "freezing" in the form of a spray.
To relieve swelling at home, it is recommended to use an ointment from sprains. It is sold at any pharmacy. The choice of such drugs is huge. Most are dispensed without a prescription. There are contraindications and age restrictions. Ointment from sprains helps relieve swelling. Reduces soreness, has anti-inflammatory properties. The most commonly used are Ibuprofen, Ketoprofen, and Diclofenac. Their varieties are huge.
Non-steroid drugs
This group of pharmacy products includes ointments and gels, which have a pronounced cooling effect. Their use is allowed from the first day after an injury. Non-steroid ointment from sprains reduces pain, shortens the recovery period. Drugs in this category:
- Ibuprofen.
- Diclofenac.
- "Indomethacin."
- Ketoprofen.
- "Salicylic."
Anticoagulants
These drugs are designed to improve blood flow in the affected area. They are responsible for the prevention and prevention of blood clots. Relieve inflammation. Ointment from sprains is used from the first days to the end of treatment. It is indicated during the rehabilitation period in case of numbness, a feeling of heaviness, swelling. The following drugs are on the list of the most effective coagulants:
- "Heparin."
- "Hepatrombin."
- Lyoton.
Coolants
This list of ointments for sprains includes the following medicines:
- Troxevasin.
- "Bengin."
- "Menthol".
The above funds are characterized by a pronounced cooling effect. They provide the removal of pain and inflammation in the affected area. They have calming and anticonvulsant effects.
Warming gels
If it is recommended to apply cold in the first hours following the injury to the ligamentous apparatus, then heat is allowed to be used only after three days. As part of a warming ointment from sprain, bee or snake venom. These ingredients are perfectly absorbed into edematous tissues. Quickly and efficiently stop the inflammatory process. Poison-based remedies options:
- Apizatron.
- "Vyprosal."
- Virapin.
- Vipratox.
Sometimes bee products are replaced with plant components rich in essential oils. Such ointments from sprains quickly relieve pain due to vasodilation and improved blood flow. The most common warming preparations are “Elaur” and “Capsicam”, as well as “Capsoderm”.
Chondroprotectors
Medicines in this category are considered relatively new. They are used as an adjunct to the main course of therapy. In pharmacies sold "Collagen Ultra." This ointment from bruises and sprains affects the lesion inside.
Recommendations
The use of warming ointments "Capsicum" and "Finalgon" is not always approved by practitioners. Their therapeutic effect on the ligamentous apparatus affected by injury is minimal. In this case, the preparations are applied in a thick layer, which provokes a burn of the epidermis and leads to increased pain.
To minimize side effects, refined vegetable oil should be applied to the affected area of the skin. It partially neutralizes the active components of the warming ointment from bruises and sprains.
Folk remedies
Alternative medicine involves the use of extracts from medicinal plants and other plant ingredients. Special formulations are prepared from animal fat. Add chopped eucalyptus tree leaves, sometimes garlic. The resulting mixture is heated, mixed well and applied to the focus of inflammation. Self-prepared ointment with muscle tension has an analgesic and anti-inflammatory effect.
In addition to the use of animal fats, a variety of clay mixtures are used. They add apple cider vinegar and garlic. The mixture is applied using gauze or a cotton towel. Keep in a damaged place no more than three hours.
It helps and can replace conventional ointment when stretching the muscles of chopped potatoes. Melted pork fat and crushed leaves of plantain are added to the resulting mass. This tool should be rubbed into the skin with gentle movements. The procedure is performed before bedtime. Course application has a pronounced decongestant effect. Its effectiveness is comparable to heparin ointment in tension.
Dolobene
The composition of this drug includes non-steroidal components, plant and excipients. Dolobene has a comprehensive therapeutic effect. It actively promotes the healing of injured ligamentous fibers. Apply it four times a day.
Rubbing anesthetic ointment with stretching is not recommended. Apply the drug in a circular motion until completely absorbed. The course of treatment lasts two weeks. For children under the age of five, Dolobene is contraindicated. Estimated cost in pharmacies is 330 rubles.
Nikoflex
The advantage of this tool is the effective removal of puffiness and the removal of pain. This ointment when stretching the ankle and other ligaments is applied in a thin layer on previously cleaned and dried skin. The procedure must be repeated up to three times a day. Sometimes this drug is used in sports practice to improve blood flow during massage. The cost of Nikoflex does not exceed 200 rubles.
Finalgon
This tool tops the list of warming ointments for stretching. It has a pronounced anti-inflammatory effect. Before the first use, an allergy test is recommended. During the procedure, a small amount of the drug is used. To enhance the warming effect, the skin area is covered with a woolen flap or a bandage made of fabric. After application, you need to thoroughly wash your hands using ordinary toilet soap.
"Finalgon" is prohibited for use in children whose age is less than twelve years. When asked what ointment to use for sprains in preschoolers, a traumatologist or surgeon will answer. The price of the drug is 300 rubles.
Apizatron
Another warming anti-inflammatory drug that is sold in a pharmacy without a doctor’s prescription. In addition to the treatment of ligaments, it is used in the treatment of rheumatic pains and the restoration of peripheral blood circulation. Apply it no more than three times a day. The duration of treatment is determined by the doctor. This is an inexpensive ointment for sprains. Its price does not exceed 200 rubles.
Viprosal
The main component of this medicine is snake venom. The composition also includes fir oil, salicylic acid. The last ingredient is responsible for the pronounced antimicrobial effect. Use "Viprosal" is allowed only once a day. Apply the product before bedtime. The price in pharmacies is 250 rubles.
Ketoprofen
The drug belongs to the group of non-steroidal. It has a complex effect. Ointment perfectly relieves pain, swelling and inflammation. In pharmacies, a wide selection of agents with a similar active substance is presented. They differ in cost and in the presence or absence of age restrictions. Ketoprofen is not recommended for children under the age of twelve.
Use the drug two or three times a day. Apply a thin layer in a circular motion until dry. The maximum period of use is fourteen days. The price is 80 rubles.
Diclofenac
The main purpose of the ointment is the removal of edema and a decrease in temperature, which inevitably occurs with injuries of ligaments of the second and third degree. It is gently rubbed into the skin. The regimen is established by the attending physician. The cost is 150 rubles.
Voltaren
An agent whose effect is similar to the effect of the use of the above drugs. Promptly relieves bouts of pain in the affected area. The price of the drug exceeds 450 rubles.
Hydrocortisone
The ointment contains a steroid hormonal substance and is widely used in medical practice. In addition to the anti-inflammatory effect, it has an anti-allergic effect. The cost of the ointment is minimal, does not exceed 50 rubles per tube.
Prednisolone
The drug has a pronounced antipruritic effect. Quickly removes exudate from the affected area. Dosage is prescribed by a traumatologist. The price of the medicine is 12 rubles.
Heparin
The mechanism of action of the ointment is to thin the blood. The tool prevents the formation of blood clots, improves circulation of the ligamentous apparatus. Facilitates the resorption of edema that occurs at the site of injury. Apply "Heparin" several times a day. It is slowly rubbed into the skin.
Sometimes redness is possible. Some have a slight burning sensation. Use "Heparin" from seven to fourteen days. The duration of the course is determined by the doctor. The use of ointment is not recommended on the first day after an injury.
Venoruton
The product belongs to the category of angioprotectors. It strengthens blood vessels, restores blood supply to the affected ligamentous apparatus. Its use helps the resorption of edema and hematomas. Apply "Venoruton" twice a day, usually in the morning and evening hours. Application in the form of applications is allowed. It can be used with an elastic bandage. Estimated cost - 700 rubles.
Troxevasin
It is characterized by the absence of side effects. It is perfectly absorbed and tolerated by the epidermis. The price of the drug depends on the manufacturer. Usually they sell it for 250 rubles.
Deep Relief
The name of this ointment is well known to professional athletes. The tool gently affects the skin. It perfectly warms up damaged ligaments. Promotes outflow of stagnant fluid, reduces swelling. It has a therapeutic and analgesic effect on the joints. The course of treatment is fourteen days. The price is 300 rubles.