Sprains: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment
Medically reviewed by Sumiran Racherla, MD, Internal Medicine. Last reviewed: October 23, 2026.
What kind of doctor treats Sprains?
Primary care doctors, such as family doctors, treat problems as they arise and coordinate care. An orthopaedic surgeon is a doctor who treats injuries to bones, joints, ligaments, tendons, and muscles. A physical therapist makes a plan to rebuild strength and range of motion. A direct primary care or concierge doctor can be a first stop for an evaluation and can refer you to a specialist when needed.
What are sprains?
A sprain is an injury to a ligament, a strong band of tissue that connects one bone to another at a joint. The ankles, knees, and wrists are the places most open to sprains. Doctors sort sprains into three grades by how bad they are.
- A grade 1 sprain is mild, with slight stretching and some damage to the fibers of the ligament.
- A grade 2 sprain is a partial tear that leaves the joint looser than normal.
- A grade 3 sprain is a complete tear of the ligament, which can make the joint very unstable.
Symptoms
Pain, bruising, and swelling are common in all three grades of sprain.
- Pain around the joint.
- Swelling.
- Bruising, which shows up as skin color changes.
- Stiffness in the joint.
Causes and who gets it
A sprain happens when a joint is forced into an unnatural position. Twisting your ankle may cause a sprain to one or more of the ligaments around the ankle. A fall, a twist, or a blow to the body can cause one. A sprained knee can result from a sudden twist. A sprained wrist can happen if you fall onto an outstretched hand.
Injuries often happen when people suddenly increase how long, how hard, or how often they are active. Jumping back into a sport after a long time away can also lead to injury.
How doctors diagnose it
Your doctor will ask how the injury happened and what activities you do. The doctor will also examine the injured area. Imaging tests, such as an x-ray or an MRI scan, may be ordered to look at the bones and soft tissues.
Treatment
Treatment for a sprain begins with the RICE method (rest, ice, compression, and elevation) and physical therapy.
- Rest: take a break from the activity that caused the injury.
- Ice: use cold packs for 20 minutes out of every hour, several times a day, and never put ice directly on the skin.
- Compression: wear an elastic bandage to help prevent more swelling.
- Elevation: keep the injury higher than your heart while you rest.
Do not use heat right after an injury, because it tends to increase swelling. Pain relievers such as ibuprofen can help, but aspirin should not be given to children. Moderate sprains often need a period of bracing, such as a walking boot for an ankle. Physical therapy can help you regain motion and strength in the injured area. The most severe sprains may need surgery to repair torn ligaments.
When to see a doctor
Go to the hospital right away or call 911 in any of these cases:
- You think you have a broken bone.
- The joint looks out of position.
- You have a serious injury or severe pain.
- You hear a popping sound and right away have trouble using the joint.
Contact your doctor if swelling does not start to go away within 2 days. Also call if the skin becomes red, warm, and painful, or if you have a fever over 100°F (38°C), which can be signs of infection. See a doctor if the pain does not go away after several weeks. Pain and swelling that do not go away after a few days also need a visit. So does not being able to put any weight on the area.
How a direct primary care or concierge doctor fits in
A direct primary care doctor charges a flat monthly fee instead of billing insurance, while a concierge doctor usually charges more and often works alongside insurance. Either kind of doctor can examine an injured joint, order imaging if needed, and plan follow-up. They can also refer you to an orthopaedic surgeon or physical therapist when needed.
Common questions
How long does a sprain take to heal?
A mild sprain will usually heal in 7 to 10 days. It may take several weeks for pain and swelling to go away after a bad sprain. Even with the right care, soft-tissue injuries like sprains may take a long time to heal.
What is the difference between a sprain and a strain?
A sprain is an injury to a ligament, while a strain is an injury to a muscle or a tendon. A tendon is a fibrous cord of tissue that attaches muscle to bone. The recommended treatment for a strain is the same as for a sprain: rest, ice, compression, and elevation.
Should I use ice or heat on a sprain?
Do not use heat right after an injury, because it tends to increase swelling. Heat can be used later, but not before 72 hours after the injury, to ease muscle tension.
Can sprains be prevented?
Good conditioning and training can prevent many soft-tissue injuries, including sprains. It also helps to warm up before exercise. Use proper equipment, and replace athletic shoes as they wear out. Injuries often happen when people suddenly increase how long, how hard, or how often they are active.
Sources
- MedlinePlus - Sprains
- American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons - OrthoInfo - Sprains, Strains & Other Soft-Tissue Injuries
- National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases - Sports Injuries: Diagnosis, Treatment, and Steps to Take
Medical Disclaimer
This content is for general educational and informational purposes only and is not medical advice. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment, and reading it does not create a doctor-patient relationship. Always seek the advice of your physician or another qualified health provider with any questions about a medical condition, and never disregard or delay seeking professional advice because of something you read here. If you think you may have a medical emergency, call 911 (or your local emergency number) immediately.
