Being an athlete can be a hard job. The have to keep running and moving around. It is because of all this physical activity that they are always at risk of having physical injuries and damages. One of the most commonly experienced sports injuries by athletes is sprain. But what do we really know about sprains?

What are sprains?

Sprains are injuries that affect the ligaments of the body. The ligaments are the tough, flexible tissues that hold the bones together. Sprains often happen when the ligaments are overstretched or forced into an unnatural position. It can also occur when the ligaments are complete torn. Although sprains can happen to anyone, they commonly happen to athletes.

Pain is felt during the initial onset of the sprain, followed by swelling, bruising, and a loss of the ability to move and use the injured joint. Most sprain sufferers feel a pop or tear when the injury happened. But the different symptoms will differ in intensity, depending on the severity of their injury.

A grade I sprain or mild sprain causes over-stretching and a slight tearing of the injured ligament, and there is no loss of the functionality of the joint. Grade II sprains or moderate sprains causes partial tearing of the ligament, and the sufferer has moderate difficulty putting weight on the injured ligament, there is also a slight loss of joint functionality. Grade III sprains or severe sprains result in the complete tear of the injured ligament. There is severe pain, swelling, and bruising, and this type of sprain often requires the sufferer to not move or even undergo surgery.

The most common form of sprains include:

lAnkle sprain. This occurs when the foot suddenly turns inwards or outwards as we run, jump, or fall. It is the most common sprain injury in professional and recreational sports and activities.

lWrist sprains. This kind of sprain occurs after a person falls and lands on an outstretched hand.

How are sprains treated?

For grades I and II sprain, the home treatment used can be summarized by the acronym PRICE:

P ? protect the affected part from further injury.

R ? rest the affected joint. Stop all activities that can exert pressure to the affected area.

I ? apply ice to the affected area several times a day for no longer than 10-15 minutes at a time.

C ? wrap the injured area with a bandage to prevent further swelling. Running cold water onto the affected joint will also help.

E ? elevate the affected part. Keep it as close to the level of the heart as much as possible.

For grade III sprains, medications can be given to relax the aching and stressed muscles within the affected area. Medications like Carisoprodol can help relieve the discomforts brought about by the sprain. Medications are available through different pharmacies and online drugstores. You just have to be careful when you order cheap carisoprodol for sprains because of the rampant counterfeiting of prescription drugs everywhere.

Sufferers may also be advised to immobilize the affected ligament until the tear has healed. You can also start working out by having physical therapy on the affected joint to slowly regain full functionality to the injured ligament.