Sprain

Sprain is the rupture of the muscle fibers from either too strong contraction, over stretching or from a direct blow on the muscle by some external factor.

Reasons:

• Decreased elasticity of muscles due to omission of stretching exercises
• Excessive muscle fatigue after prolonged exercise
• Poor equipment (e.g. inappropriate footwear)
• Exercising in a wet and cold environment
• Poor diet and lack of potassium, sodium or magnesium in the body
• Bad technique when performing the exercises

Sprain Classification:

• First Degree: simple stretching of the muscle fibers is observed.
• Second Degree: a partial rupture of the muscle fibers is observed.
• Third Degree: a complete tear of the muscle is observed.

Treatment:

• Immediately after the injury we apply: immobilization – ice therapy – compression – elevation of the limb.
• Decongest the area from the hematoma / edema and improve mobility with local tissue support (bandaging or kinesiotaping).
• Gentle stretches.
• Strength program that begins with isometric exercises and continues progressively with plyometric exercises.
• Exercises should never exceed pain thresholds while resistances are progressively increased.