Health Guide©

SPRAIN (Sports injuries)

Symptoms:

• Pain in the joint.
• Redness and swelling.
• Restricted or no movement due to pain.
• Discoloration.
• Joint deformity, in severe cases.

Complications:

• Damage to a tendon (a tough, fibrous cord of tissue connecting a muscle to a bone) or muscle.
• Fracture.
• Joint deformity.
• Weakened joint, if sprained repeatedly.

Causes:

• The overstretching or tearing of a ligament when suddenly wrenched (e.g., twisting of the ankle) or subjected to excessive stress during a slip fall or fall or other mishap.

What you can do:

• Apply the RICE (Reduction, Ice, Compression, and Elevation) treatment:

Prevention Tips:

• Use suitable wear for vigorous or contact sport (e.g., high-cube rubber shoes for basketball).
• Avoid high-heeled shoes.
• Watch your step when walking on rough ground or near drains.
• Maintain a healthy weight. Excessive weight causes too much stress on the joints.
• Do regular exercise. This strengthens the ligaments and muscles.
• Do warm up exercises for at least five minutes before engaging on a strenuous sport or exercise.

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