Sprains
Synopsis of Sprains
A sprain is an injury to a ligament—the tough, fibrous tissue that connects bones at a joint—caused by overstretching or tearing due to sudden twisting, impact, or awkward movement. Sprains are common in the ankles, wrists, knees, and thumbs, and can range in severity from mild overstretching to complete ligament rupture. Symptoms include pain, swelling, bruising, instability, and limited mobility. Most sprains can be treated at home, but severe cases may require physical therapy or even surgery. Prompt care is essential to prevent chronic instability or re-injury.
Types:
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Grade I (mild): Stretching with microscopic tears; minimal swelling or pain
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Grade II (moderate): Partial ligament tear; moderate pain, swelling, and bruising
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Grade III (severe): Complete tear or rupture; severe pain, joint instability, possible loss of function
Common Causes:
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Sudden twists or impacts during sports or physical activity
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Missteps or falls, especially on uneven surfaces
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Improper footwear or lack of warm-up
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Hyperextension or excessive joint force
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Previous injury weakening ligament integrity
Severity Causes:
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Inadequate rest or recovery after initial injury
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Repeated stress on an unstable joint
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Poor biomechanics or muscle imbalances
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Underlying joint hypermobility or laxity
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Excess body weight increasing joint stress
When to See a Doctor:
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Inability to move or bear weight on the affected joint
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Severe swelling or visible deformity
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Numbness, tingling, or signs of poor circulation
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Pain that doesn’t improve after 5–7 days of home treatment
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Suspected fracture or dislocation
Natural remedies for Sprains
RICE method: Rest, Ice (20 min every 2–3 hours), Compression (wrap or brace), and Elevation reduce swelling and promote healing in the first 48–72 hours.
Arnica (if included in blends): Traditional remedy to reduce bruising and inflammation. Often used in topical gels or creams.
Magnesium: Relaxes muscles and supports recovery from strain or spasms surrounding the injury.
Turmeric: Contains curcumin, a potent anti-inflammatory compound that may reduce pain and swelling in ligament injuries.
Collagen (from bovine or marine sources): Supports tissue repair and ligament strengthening, especially during the recovery phase.
Vitamin C: Essential for collagen synthesis and tissue regeneration. Speeds healing and reduces oxidative stress.
Zinc: Aids wound healing and immune function. Important in tissue repair and recovery from ligament damage.
Gentle rehabilitation exercises: Gradual movement, stretching, and strengthening improve circulation and restore stability once acute swelling subsides.
Ingredients
These raw ingredients are often used in alternative medicine to treat Sprains
allspice
bovine collagen
bovine gelatin
bromelain
chymotrypsin
cissus quadrangularis
collagen
turmeric
endo-peptidase
fungal protease
gelatin
glucosamine
horsetail
l-proline
magnesium
methylsulfonylmethane (MSM)
serratiopeptidase
serrazimes (proprietary)
silicon
trypsin
vitamin C
white willow
zinc
solomon's seal
wintergreen
camphor oil
abies spectabilis
arnica
clematis
Achyranthes bidentata
Abies alba
African Ginger
Avian Cartilage
Arnica
Achyranthes
Arnica (unspecified)
Akebia (unspecified)
Anemone
Aescin
Actaea spicata
Aspen
Alstonia macrophylla
American Chestnut
Bovine Collagen
Boar (unspecified)
Brassaiopsis glomerulata
Bai Ji
Big Quaking Grass
Bogbean
Black Poplar
Burningbush
Bone Protein
Barbary matrimony vine
bovine cartilage / glycosaminoglycan
Black Hellebore
Beta-Sesquiphellandrene
Bone morphogenetic protein
Cissus quadrangularis
Collagenase
Clematis armandii
Chinese Clematis
Chicken collagen
Clematis
Collagen (unspecified)
Collagen Peptides
cypress
Collagen (mixed)
Connective tissue growth factor
collagen (unknown source)
Collinsonia
Collagen
Cade Juniper
California False Hellebore
Drynaria
Dipsacus asperloids
Dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO)
Devil's Claw
Dipsacus
Eastern hemlock
Enzyme Blend
Elastin
fibroblast growth factors
Fibrinase
Gelatin
Glycosaminoglycan
Glycine-alanyl-l-valine
Giant Trillium
Glycosaminoglycans
Harpagosides
hydroxyproline
Horsetail
Hydrolyzed gelatin
Hairy Arnica
Hydrolyzed beef collagen
Harpagoside
Insulin-like growth factor
Juglans cinerea
Japanese Teasel
Joe-Pye
Jimson weed
Keratin Peptides
Ligusticum (Unspecified)
Mugo Pine
MSM (Methylsulfonylmethane)
Malay bush-beech
Methylsulfonylmethane
Magnesium borate
Magnesium Salicylate
Malay Bush
Mucopolysaccharide
Mesenchyme
Maratime Pine
Mesenchyme
Pacific Dogwood
proline rich peptides
Proteolytic enzyme (unspecified)
Piper kadsura
Procaine
Pine
Paraffin wax
Platelet derived growth factor
Solomon's Seal
Sinapis arvensis
Salicin
Sichuan Teasel
Silver Fir
Siberian Solomon's Seal
Sciadopitysn
Sida cordifolia
Spatholobus (unspecified)
Silicate
Serratiopeptidase
Silicon
Silicic Acid
Sweet Clover
Stone Root
Tree of heaven
Tiger Lily
Turtle
Tundra mountaincrown
Viburnum lantana
Willow (unspecified)
Wintergreen
White Willow
Willow
Zingibain
