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