$Unique_ID{PAR00154}
$Pretitle{}
$Title{Medical Advice:  Sprains and Dislocations}
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$Author{
Editors of Consumer Guide
Chasnoff, Ira J}
$Subject{sprained Sprain Sprains dislocated Dislocation Dislocations Pain
swell swells Swelling swollen Tender Tenderness Stiffness Internal bleeding
malformation joint immobility movement move joints Aspirin acetaminophen bone
fracture fractures fractured torn ligaments ligament tear tears finger fingers
toe toes ankle ankles neck back kneecap kneecaps shoulder shoulders wrist
forearm thumb navicular bones hand injury injuries injured x-ray x-rays}
$Log{}

Your Child:  A Medical Guide


Sprains and Dislocations


     Quick Reference

     POSSIBLE SYMPTOMS
     - Pain
     - Swelling
     - Tenderness
     - Stiffness
     - Internal bleeding
     - Visible malformation
     - Inability to use the joint

     HOME CARE
     - A dislocation should not be treated at home.
     - A sprain can be treated by immobilizing and then resting the affected
       area (elevated, if possible).
     - Cold compresses applied to the area help relieve swelling.
     - Aspirin or acetaminophen can be given for pain.

     PRECAUTIONS
     - A sprain that does not improve rapidly may indicate a bone fracture and
       should be examined by a doctor.
     - After a dislocation has been corrected, the joint may remain unstable
       for some time.
     - A severe sprain that is improperly treated can result in a permanently
       weak joint.
     - A sprain that is still swollen or painful to move is not healed.
     - Elastic bandages do not adequately support or protect a sprained ankle.


     All joints of the body are surrounded by ligaments (the tough connective
tissues that link bones together).  These ligaments can be partially or
completely torn when the joint is forcibly twisted beyond its normal range of
movement.  A partial or complete tear of a ligament is called a sprain.  If
the ligaments are badly torn, the bones of the joint may become dislocated
(slip out of position).  In addition to the usual symptoms of a sprain, a
dislocation causes a visible malformation of the area, as well as marked or
total loss of function of the dislocated parts.  Even after the dislocation
has been corrected, the joint may remain unstable for weeks.
     Sprains are common during childhood, but dislocations (other than those
of the elbow) are rare.  Sprains most often occur in the fingers ("jammed" or
"baseball" fingers), toes, ankles, neck, and back.  Dislocations can occur in
the fingers, toes, kneecaps, and shoulders.

SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS

     A sprain causes swelling, tenderness, decreased movement of the joint,
internal bleeding, and pain, which is sometimes severe.  A mild or moderate
sprain generally can be suspected if a joint is tender after it has been
twisted or overextended.
     Because dislocations produce a visible malformation, they are seldom
missed.  Furthermore, the inability to use the joint is an obvious sign of a
dislocation.  Fractures of the bones of the joint cannot be ruled out without
an x-ray examination.

HOME CARE

     A dislocation should not be treated at home.  Minor sprains, particularly
those of the fingers, toes, and ankles, may be treated safely at home by
immobilizing the hand or foot involved and then resting it.  The sprained part
should be kept elevated.  Cold compresses applied for one to four hours after
injury help minimize swelling.  Aspirin or acetaminophen should temporarily
relieve the pain.  If a sprain does not improve rapidly, a bone may be
fractured.  In such a case, the child should be seen by a doctor.

PRECAUTIONS

  -  Do not attempt to correct a dislocation, even of the fingers.
     Dislocations are often accompanied by a fracture.
  -  What appears to be a sprained wrist in a child may actually be a fracture
     of the forearm bones near the joint, and what appears to be a sprained
     thumb may actually be a fractured navicular bone in the hand.
  -  A severe sprain may take as long as a fracture to heal and, if not
     treated properly, can result in a permanently weak joint.
  -  A sprain is not healed if it is still swollen or if it is painful to
     move.
  -  Elastic bandages do not adequately support or protect a sprained ankle.

MEDICAL TREATMENT

     Your doctor will carefully examine the injured joint and will order an
x-ray examination if a dislocation or a fracture is suspected.  If a sprain
appears to be minor, the doctor may choose to simply immobilize the joint and
observe its rate of healing; if the rate of healing is not rapid enough, an
x-ray will then be ordered.

RELATED TOPICS:  Dislocated elbow; Dislocated hips; Fractures; Knee pains