As you’ll know if you’ve ever sprained a hand or foot, not all sprains are the same. Sprains are generally classified into three grades, or grades, based on severity. The three grades of sprains range from a first degree sprain (the least severe) to a third degree sprain (the most severe).
The degree or degree of sprain suggests how severely torn the ligaments are due to injury. Ligaments are the strong, flexible fibers that hold bones together within a joint. They are often misidentified as tendons, which are the elastic tissue that holds muscle to bone. A sprain, by definition, is an injury to one or more ligaments.
Varied treatments
Each of the three grades of sprains has unique treatment needs. However, soft tissue damage such as a sprain could be tricky so for all sprains it is recommended to seek medical help. This is true even for a comparatively small sprain. The RICE method of sprain care is generally considered the most effective immediate and long-term treatment. RICE is an acronym for Rest, Ice, Compression, and Elevation, each part of which is an integral part of treating any degree of sprain. The purpose of RICE is primarily to stop inflammation, therefore preventing pain and facilitating recovery.
grade 1 sprain
The first degree of severity of the sprain is grade one. In these sprains, the ligament has been stretched even though it has not been completely injured. While it may be unpleasant, these types of sprains are unlikely to cause long-term problems. Between RICE and a long rest, it doesn’t take long for a first degree sprain to heal.
First degree sprains are widespread. Any time a joint is overextended, it is likely to hurt. A rolled foot that causes you to limp for a few days may be an example. Jammed fingers, the kind that are hard to flex for a few days, may be sprains.
grade 2 sprain
Second degree sprains are the not so happy medium of sprains. Second degree sprains usually make a full recovery. However, being worse, they are more painful and take longer to heal. In a grade two sprain, the suspensory ligaments stretch to the point of tearing, but only partially.
It is always difficult to determine precisely how long it takes to recover from a grade two sprain. However, as a general rule, it normally takes two to four weeks to recover. However, sprains weaken the ligaments, so it is advisable to wait until the joint is fully recovered before returning to routine activities. The RICE method will take care of the injury in the days after the injury, after which physiotherapy can take over.
grade 3 sprain
This category of sprain is the result of a more significant injury. This degree of sprain means a significant tear or complete rupture of one or more ligaments. Complete loss of use of the damaged joint is normal for this injury, and the pain can be too much to handle. Fortunately for the typical person, these injuries are much more widespread among professional athletes who play contact sports. Athletes who sustain this injury may lose playing time while they improve.
It is often essential to repair grade three sprains in one operation. However, these sprains will almost always take a few months to recover, despite expert care. However, it is better to be safe than sorry with these sprains, as they can be a persistent problem for quite some time.