Definition of Sprain – Nursing is a profession within the healthcare sector focused on the care of individuals, families, and communities so they may attain, maintain, or recover optimal health and quality of life. Nurses may be differentiated from other healthcare providers by their approach to patient care, training, and scope of practice. Nurses practice in many specialisms with differing levels of prescriber authority.
Many nurses provide care within the ordering scope of physicians, and this traditional role has shaped the public image of nurses as care providers. However, nurses are permitted by most jurisdictions to practice independently in a variety of settings depending on training level. In the postwar period, nurse education has undergone a process of diversification towards advanced and specialized credentials, and many of the traditional regulations and provider roles are changing.
Definition of Sprain
Nurses develop a plan of care, working collaboratively with physicians, therapists, the patient, the patient’s family, and other team members, that focus on treating illness to improve quality of life. Nurses may help coordinate the patient care performed by other members of an interdisciplinary healthcare team such as therapists, medical practitioners, and dietitians. Nurses provide care both interdependently, for example, with physicians, and independently as nursing professionals.
A sprain is any painful wrenching (twisting or pulling) movement of a joint, but the term is generally reserved for joint injuries less severe than actual tearing of the capsule or ligaments.
Or
A sprain is an injury to ligaments structures surrounding a joint caused by a wrenching or twisting.
[Ref-Lippincott, Adult Orthopedic Nursing/1/86]
Types of sprain:
The 2 common types of ankle sprains are inversion and eversion ankle sprains.
- Inversion sprain: This is the most common out of the three and typically occurs due to the
outward rolling of the ankle and the inward turning of the foot. As a result, the outer ligaments (lateral ligament) of the ankle are stretched and torn. - Eversion sprain: Sometimes the ankle may roll inward and the foot may turn outward causing an eversion injury. An eversion injury damages the inner ligaments (medial ligament) of the ankle.
The severity of an ankle sprain can be divided into three types:
1. Grade I sprain: This is very mild and no disability occurs. You can perform daily life activities. The injury usually takes 2 to 3 weeks to recover.
2. Grade II sprain: This is a moderate injury that may cause discomfort. Activities such as twisting
of the ankle may have to be limited. The injury takes 3 to 6 weeks to recover.
3. Grade III sprain: This is a very severe injury that may cause a lot of discomfort and pain. The injury may take 3 months to heal.
Causes of Sprain
A sprain occurs when overextend or tear a ligament while severely stressing a joint. Sprains often occur in the following circumstances:
1. Ankle-Walking or exercising on an uneven surface 2 ninge noire3
2. Knee – Pivoting during an athletic activityΔΑ για ποτον
3. Wrist-Landing on an outstretched hand during a fall
4. Thumb-Skiing injury or overextension when playing racquet sports, such as tennis
Risk Factors of Sprain:
Factors contributing to sprains and strains include:
1. Poor conditioning.
2. Fatigue.
3. Improper warm-up.
4. Environmental conditions.
5. Poor equipment.
Clinical Feature of Sprains:
a. Signs:
- Movement grossly restricted.
- Discoloration.
b. Symptoms:
- Pain and tenderness at the site of injury.
- Swelling at the joint and bruising.
- Bruising
- Tenderness around the joint increased by movement.
Management of a Case of Sprains Patients:
1. Conservative management:
- Complete bed rest.
- Immobilization of joint by splint or cast.
- Cryotherapy to alleviate pain.
- Isometric exercise to affected limbs.
- Active exercise in unaffected joints.
- POP (plaster of Paris) for 6-8 weeks if ligaments tear does not cause displacement.
2. Surgical managements: If the ligament is tom and bone is displaced, its need to surgical repair hitukoom and immobilization with POP cast for 6-8 weeks.
[Ref-John Ebnezar’s/4/98)
Complications of Sprain:
Failing to treat a sprained ankle properly, engaging in activities too soon after spraining ankle or spraining ankle repeatedly might lead to the following complications:
- Chronic ankle pain.
- Chronic ankle joint instability.
- Arthritis in the ankle joint.
Preventive measures of sprain:
The following tips can help prevent a sprained ankle or a recurring sprain:
- Warm up before exercise or play sports.
- Be careful when walking, running or working on an uneven surface.
- Use an ankle support brace or tape on a weak or previously injured ankle.
- Wear shoes that fit well and are made for activity.
- Minimize wearing high-heeled shoes.
- Don’t play sports or participate in activities for which are not conditioned.
- Maintain good muscle strength and flexibility.
- Practice stability training, including balance exercises.
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