Ligament Sprain

A ligamentous sprain is when a ligament (fibrous tissue) is stretched. Ligaments hold bones together at the joint.

Home Care

  • Rest the injured area
  • Start using the joint when directed by your doctor
  • Keep the hurt area raised. This may lessen the swelling
  • Apply ice packs to the injured area for 15 minutes, 4 times a day
  • Put the ice in a plastic bag and place a towel between the bag of ice and your skin
  • Wear splint, cast, or elastic bandage as told by your doctor
  • Only take medicine as directed by your doctor
  • Use crutches as told. Do not put weight on hurt joint until told to by your doctor

Get Help If

  • Bruising, swelling or pain increases
  • You toes are cold or tingling if your leg was injured
  • Your fingers are cold or tingling if your arm was injured

Get Help Right Away If

  • Your toes are numb or blue if your leg was injured
  • Your fingers are numb or blue if your arm was injured
  • The pain is not helped with medicine and stays the same or gets worse

Make Sure You

  • Understand these instructions
  • Will watch your condition
  • Will get help right away if you are not doing well or get worse

For more information about ligament sprains, please call (918) 494-AOOK (2665).