Definition:  Ligaments are soft tissue that hold (attatch) our bones together.  Ligament is fibrous soft tissue that holds one bone to another so that our joints are sturdy and can hold us together.  When the ligaments get pulled or stretched too quickly or past the normal range of motion, the ligament tissue gets damaged and needs to heal.  This is a sprain.

Treatment:  

• How far and how many of the tissues were damaged will determine healing time.
• Always make sure your healthcare provider has ruled out any type of fracture or any other diagnosis that may have occured during the injury.
• Initial treatment should include R.I.C.E. (Rest, Ice, Compression and elevation).
• After 72 hours (depending on severity of injury and your healthcare providers treatment plan) you may begin gentle non weight bearing range of motion exercises.
• After swelling and bruising have decreased and range of motion has returned you may start gentle strength exercises.
• when working with the lower extremity, cutting, pivoting and plyometric drills should NOT be included into the initial treatment of a sprain.