Your body relies on a vast network of muscles, bones, tendons and ligaments working together to help you move and function. However, with movement comes risk for injury, especially in the area of the joints. One structure that is particularly prone to injury, especially in the ankles, elbows and wrists are your ligaments. An injury from pulling of the ligament is called a "sprain."
Ligament Function
Ligaments play an important role in movement and structure for your body as it acts as the connective tissue between the many bones of your body. They are made from tough fibrous bands of connective tissue which attach between the bones to create and support joints. Ligaments provide elasticity between bones, but can only pulled so far before the ligament can no longer spring back to its original size.
Cause of Injuries
Typically ligaments gradually stretch, rather than stretch all at once, hence ligament injuries usually occur when the ligament is pulled quickly or pulled too far. Take for example an ankle sprain. This injury occurs when the ankle turns or rolls past its normal motions. Ligament strains of the elbow occur with a twisting of the arm or falling on the arm in an abnormal position. These types of ligament injuries are particularly common in sports. In fact, one of the most common ligament injuries is the ankle sprain -- which is commonly associated with sport activities -- and occurs an estimated 25,000 every day, according to the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons.
Treatment
The first line of defense for a ligament injury is the RICE method. This involves resting the injured area, applying ice 20 to 30 minutes three to four times each day, compressing the area with Ace wraps or bandages to support the injured site, and elevating the injury above the heart. This method is used to reduce swelling and prevent injuring the area further, suggests the Merck Manuals Online Medical Library. For serious ligament injuries surgery may be necessary, such as an arthroscopy or reconstruction of the injury site.
Prevention
To prevent ligament injuries it is important to pay attention to the surfaces you walk on to prevent falling, which is a common cause of ligament injuries. Ankle ligament injuries can be prevented by wearing proper well-built shoes that provide support to the ankle. Regular stretching can make the ligaments more pliable and less prone to injury, which can be furthered by warming up before strenuous activities, according to the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons.
