Each person, probably, at least once in his life has encountered sprain. Everyone knows that this is a very unpleasant and painful condition. In this article, we will talk about what a sprain on the leg is and how to cope with this problem.
What it is?
Initially, I want to understand the main terms used in this article.
- The ligament is a special accumulation of connective tissue that strengthens the joint.
- What is a sprain on the leg? This is a partial or complete rupture of the ligament. This occurs due to the action of the joint on the affected ligamentous apparatus.
At the same time, it is worth knowing that the problem can be completely different. It can be stretched as a single bunch, or several. If we talk about the legs, then the ankle joint is injured most often , less often the knee joint .
Symptoms
How can one know that a person has a sprain of the leg? Symptoms are what you need to pay special attention to. What will a person feel with this problem? It is worth mentioning that there are three main degrees of stretching. Depending on this, the indicators will vary.
First degree
If a person has a sprain on the leg of the first degree, the injury will be mild. Tendons can only be partially torn. In this case, pain will be weak, motor activity is most often not disturbed, leg mobility is maintained. If there is swelling, then it is completely insignificant. To cope with the problem in this case, you just need to give the foot peace, for some time without loading it.
Second degree of stretching
If the patient has a second degree sprain on the leg, the symptoms will be mild. In this case, a ligamentous fiber rupture is also observed. In some cases, it also happens that the capsule itself is damaged. The main symptoms in this case:
- Strong pain.
- Swelling at the site of injury.
- Hemorrhages, i.e. bruises that will be observed under the skin at the site of injury.
- Movement will be accompanied by severe pain. In some cases, joint mobility is impaired.
Third degree damage
The third degree is a strong sprain on the leg. In this case, tendon rupture also occurs. What will the patient feel?
- In the place of damage there will be severe swelling, as well as hyperemia (overfilling of the injury site with blood).
- Pathological joint mobility may appear.
- Extensive bruising, hematomas occur.
It is worth mentioning that such damage to the ligaments most often requires the intervention of a surgeon. In this case, the recovery process will be quite long and may take up to six months.
The patient may also have a sprain on the toe. In this case, the symptoms will be the same, but the pain will concentrate in only one finger.
Symptoms in which you need to immediately seek medical help
In what cases does a patient with sprains immediately need to see a doctor?
- If the leg pain is very severe, it interferes with normal movement.
- When a numbness occurs in the affected area.
- If an extensive hematoma or bruising occurs at the site of the lesion.
- If there is a loss of motor activity of the joint.
- When a crackling sound occurs in a joint during motor activity.
- When there is an increase in body temperature, chills, i.e., there is a febrile syndrome.
It is also necessary to see a doctor if, within a few days after damage to the ligaments of the leg, the symptoms do not disappear and the patient's well-being does not improve.
First aid
What needs to be done first if a person has sprained ligaments on his leg? The procedure is as follows:
- At the place of stretching you need to put an ice pack. This will help relieve pain and swelling.
- Next, the damage site must be wrapped with an elastic bandage.
- To relieve swelling, you can raise the damaged joint above the level of the heart. After this, the blood will recede from the site of damage.
- To relieve pain, you can take any pain medication.
Next, it is best to go to the clinic to clarify the diagnosis and get adequate treatment.
Diagnostics
How can you determine that a patient has a sprain of the big toe, knee or ankle joints? For this, of course, you need to go to the doctor’s appointment. What will the specialist do? The patient will be examined first. Then it can be sent for x-ray to exclude a fracture or to identify a possible bone displacement. If the ligaments are torn, surgical intervention may be necessary.
Treatment
Be sure to tell about how to treat leg sprain. What can be used for this and what can the doctor advise in this case? Treatment will vary depending on the degree of damage.
First degree. In this case, the elastic bandage is applied for about 2-3 days. On the first day, ice is applied. Next, you can begin to apply heat. This is necessary for the healing of ligaments and improve blood supply to the lesion site. Three days later, you need to start developing the joint. At the same time, painkillers such as Voltaren or Diklak ointment can also be used externally. To improve venous outflow, the affected areas can be lubricated with Troxevasin ointment or Lyoton-gel.
Second degree. In this case, the joint will need to be immobilized for 2-3 weeks. In the first three days, the leg should be raised as often as possible above the level of the heart. Ice should be applied during the first 24 hours, then dry heat is recommended. Ointments need to be used the same. However, in some cases, additional anesthesia with tablets or injections may be necessary. The load on the lesion site must be discarded. After removing the immobilization, you will need to visit the gym of physical therapy. The healing process will take at least 1 month.
Third degree. In this case, often requires either surgery or the application of plaster. Immobilization alone will be needed for a period of about 1 month. All exercises and treatment are prescribed by the doctor, the healing process takes place under his supervision and can be delayed for six months.
Alternative methods of treatment
What else can you do if a person has a sprain on his leg? Treatment can be not only medical. Various folk methods help in this case. However, it is still better to remember that all procedures should be done with the permission of a doctor. Otherwise, you can greatly harm your health and only worsen the situation.
- Raw potatoes. It needs to be grated, and the resulting slurry should be applied to the sore spot. Such procedures must be done several times a day. Duration - 10-15 minutes.
- Clay. It must be diluted to the consistency of sour cream, then placed in linen cloth and applied to the sore spot, fixing with an elastic bandage, for about 2 hours.
- Aloe. It is necessary to grind the leaves of this plant, attach to the affected area, wrap it with an elastic bandage. When the mixture is heated, it must be replaced with a new one. This remedy is especially good in the first few days after a problem occurs.
- If a ligament rupture occurs, you can use a remedy from unripe elderberry. Their handful should be poured with 5 liters of water, adding a tablespoon of soda. With a cooled and unbroken broth, you need to periodically wash the affected area.
- Milk compresses also help with a variety of sprains. To do this, you need to fold the cheesecloth four, moisten in hot milk and put on the affected area. Cotton and compress paper are applied on top. The application must be changed as it cools.
Prevention
Everyone knows that it is better to prevent a problem than to get rid of it in the future. What are the preventive measures for leg sprain?
- You need to wear comfortable clothes and shoes.
- It is necessary to carefully monitor the irregularities of the surface on which the person is walking.
- Very often, overweight causes increased stress on the joints.
- Regularly need to strengthen the muscles and ligaments.
By following these simple preventative measures, you can avoid problems such as sprains on the legs.