Sprained arm ligament

The bone-ligament mechanism of our body allows us to make various simple and complex movements of the limbs and individual joints. But sometimes, under certain circumstances, the supporting purpose of the ligament is violated. Why and how does a sprain of the arm ligament occur?

[ 1 ]

Causes of Hand Sprains

A sprained ligament can occur as a result of excessive tension on the ligaments. Ligaments are elastic connections between bones that serve to strengthen joints. In order to stretch the ligaments, it is necessary to make a sharp movement in the joint, often beyond its range of motion.

Athletes and simply active people, as well as active children, are more likely to suffer from sprained ligaments.

What can cause a sprained arm:

• lifting weights, strength exercises on the shoulder girdle and elbow joints;
• fall with support on a straight arm;
• exercises on parallel bars, horizontal bars or rings.

A sprain can be mild, with damage to a small number of fibers; moderate, with damage to up to half of the total number of ligament fibers; significant, with rupture of a large number of fibers, but not allowing the injury to be characterized as a complete rupture of the ligaments.

Depending on the cause of the sprain, this type of ligament injury is divided into the following categories:

• degenerative change. In this case, ligament sprains are associated with age-related changes in tissues, particularly in tendons and ligaments. Patients over 40 are much more likely to get sprains and ligament ruptures than younger people. Why? With age, nutrition and blood circulation in the ligamentous apparatus are disrupted, bones can sometimes contain osteophytes, which can aggravate ligament damage. Ligament function deteriorates, tissues become less elastic;
• Traumatic injury is a sprain of the ligaments due to injury, careless movements, or work with great physical exertion.

[ 2 ], [ 3 ], [ 4 ]

Symptoms of a sprained arm

Signs of a sprained arm are, first of all:

• a feeling of severe pain, which becomes even stronger when trying to move the arm (by the way, in many cases sprains can cause more pain than fractures);
• the appearance of swelling in the damaged area;
• impossibility or limitation of movement in the damaged area;
• a feeling of pain when trying to touch the damaged area;
• redness of the damaged area or the appearance of bruises and hemorrhages on it.

If the arm starts to hurt a few hours after the injury, this indicates that there is a stretch of muscle fibers, not ligaments. Pain from a stretch usually appears immediately, but it can gradually increase, intensifying over the course of a day.

If the patient heard a characteristic crack during the injury, then it is most likely a fracture or rupture of the tendon, but not a sprain of the ligamentous apparatus.

For a more accurate diagnosis, you need to see a doctor. Usually, you go to the nearest trauma center, where the doctor will accurately indicate the nature of the injury and provide the first necessary aid.

Wrist sprain

Injuries to the ligament mechanism of the hand are determined by a violation of their integrity, hemorrhages into nearby tissues and joint cavities.

Often, stretches of the radial and ulnar collateral ligaments are found. A sudden change in the amplitude of movement to the radial side will inevitably lead to a stretch or complete rupture of the radial collateral ligament.

A sprained wrist may occur as a result of an injury or prolonged monotonous load on the wrist. Immediately after the injury, severe pain appears, hemorrhage occurs at the site of injury, and the functionality of the wrist is impaired. Tissue swelling in the wrist area gradually increases.

An X-ray examination will indirectly confirm a sprain: images are taken with the wrist abducted as far as possible in the radial joint, and the size of the joint space is equal to the space in the paired undamaged joint.

Sprained finger

Finger ligament injuries are quite common among those who actively engage in rock climbing. The ring ligaments of the fingers are most susceptible to stretching.

The annular ligaments bear the brunt of the load, especially in situations where it is necessary to use a working grip with the fingers. If the load to which the ligaments are subjected exceeds the permissible norm, or there is a sudden load application, the ligament system can be stretched or torn. The severity of the injury can range from a slight stretch of the annular ligaments to their complete rupture.

After a sprain, you may notice a characteristic curvature of the finger, it becomes difficult, and sometimes impossible, to straighten the finger. The joint or the entire finger swells.

A sprained flexor ligament of the fingers is also a very common occurrence. Most often, this injury is observed on the ring finger. This happens, for example, if you have to hold on with two or three fingers in an open grip. After injury, a feeling of pain can be felt along the entire length of the tendon, starting from the ring finger to the wrist. After injury, grips that can affect the injured ligaments should be avoided.

Thumb sprain

The location of the first metacarpophalangeal joint causes increased load on it in some cases. This joint is located at the base of the thumb. It can be injured by force directed at the straightened thumb: this can happen with an awkward blow to the finger, for example, during a ball game.

When the ligaments of the thumb are sprained, the victim notes pain when trying to move the thumb, especially when moving the finger to the right or left. Swelling in the form of a tumor forms around the perimeter of the joint.

Less common is a sprain of the lateral ligaments of the interphalangeal joint: these ligaments are located on the sides of the finger phalanges and serve to protect the interphalangeal joint. As a rule, these ligaments are sprained during a sharp abduction of the finger to the side: such abduction can be caused by a blow or a fall. With such an injury, pain in the big toe and swelling in the area of injury are also observed.

Sprained arm in a child

In childhood, sprains of the hand ligaments are much more common than bone fractures and joint dislocations. The cause of injuries is the child's increased physical activity, his desire to learn new things, energy and restlessness.

During active games, children may fall and get hurt, but fractures in childhood occur much less frequently than sprains. This happens because a child's bones are more flexible than an adult's, so they tend to withstand greater stress. The emphasis in trauma falls precisely on the ligamentous apparatus, which, compensating for the force of impact, is subject to stretching.

At the moment of injury, the baby feels quite strong and sharp pain, which in most cases can gradually subside. For this reason, the child, having received an injury, can still run and play for some time, not paying attention to the damage. However, within a few hours (depending on the severity of the injury), swelling appears in the damaged area, and a hematoma may form. The child complains of pain when moving the arm, as well as when palpating it.

Arm movement is limited, the child tries not to use the injured arm in movements.

In childhood, the elbow joint is most often injured: the ligaments of the elbow joint in children are not yet strong enough, they contain many nerve fibers and blood vessels, which explains the appearance of significant pain and swelling due to stretching.

Parents need to understand that they should not treat their child on their own: only a doctor can determine the nature of the child's injury. A fracture, sprain, rupture, bone crack or dislocation - an accurate diagnosis is established after a specialist examines the child. Treatment of various types of injuries has its own characteristics, so independent therapeutic measures, whether folk medicine methods or "what helped the neighbor", are completely excluded before a diagnosis and a doctor's consultation.

Diagnosis of a sprained arm

In case of any injury and suspicion of a sprain of the ligamentous apparatus, you should contact a specialist who will carefully examine the damaged area, ask about the causes and mechanism of the injury, and assess the degree of tissue damage. If additional methods of diagnosing a sprain of the hand ligaments are needed, the doctor will prescribe them.

1. Laboratory tests for sprains are rarely used: only in advanced cases, if it is necessary to confirm or refute the presence of an inflammatory process in the joint. For this purpose, the following is carried out:
   • general blood test (increased ESR, increased leukocyte count);
   • post-puncture analysis of synovial fluid (presence of protein spectrum or leukocytosis).
2. X-ray diagnostics allows you to determine the exact area of damage, as well as differentiate sprains from bone fractures and muscle fiber ruptures. Sometimes, X-rays can be the only additional method of examination that will provide enough data to establish a diagnosis and determine a treatment plan.
3. Magnetic resonance imaging helps to obtain a layered image of soft tissues from different angles. This method does not involve the use of ionizing radiation: it uses the principles of the resonance effect of hydrogen nuclei, which makes the procedure much less harmful, unlike X-rays. For this reason, the MRI method is often used for diagnostics and dynamic monitoring of injuries in childhood.
4. The ultrasound scanning method (ultrasound examination of joints) is a highly informative and harmless procedure. This method can be used quite often and as needed, both for diagnostics and for assessing treatment results. Using ultrasound scanning, you can determine the condition of muscle tissue, joints, tendons and ligaments. An additional advantage of this method is its low cost compared to tomography, and its information content is not inferior, and sometimes even exceeds MRI.
5. The arthroscopy method is a minimally invasive procedure, equivalent to a minor operation: the surgeon makes punctures in the skin, through which he inserts an optical system and a surgical instrument under the skin. Arthroscopy is used when treatment does not bring relief, as well as in cases where it is impossible to understand the cause of the pain syndrome. The method is considered especially effective in diagnosing ligament ruptures.

Establishing an accurate diagnosis allows the doctor to determine the treatment tactics and prescribe effective treatment procedures in this case.

[ 5 ], [ 6 ], [ 7 ], [ 8 ], [ 9 ], [ 10 ]

Treatment of sprained arm ligaments

Treatment of a sprained arm ligament is carried out depending on the severity of the injury. However, in everyday life, it is much more important for us to know first of all how to help a person who has pulled ligaments before contacting a specialist. After all, how quickly and successfully the further healing of the injury will proceed depends on the timely assistance provided.

Let us characterize the most acceptable sequence of actions in such a situation:

• the victim should be seated or laid down, ensuring rest for the injured limb;
• it is necessary to immobilize the joint: for this purpose, we apply a tight bandage to the damaged area, possibly using a splint;
• apply a cold object to the injured area for several hours; this could be a frozen product from the refrigerator, an ice pack, or a bottle of ice. All frozen objects should be wrapped in a cloth or towel before applying;
• If the victim's swelling increases, the injured limb should be elevated.

The next step should be to call a doctor or take the patient to the emergency room.

What can a doctor do to ease the victim's condition and speed up his recovery?

As a rule, the doctor first anesthetizes the damaged joint or limb. In severe cases, a novocaine blockade can be used: 0.25% and 0.5% novocaine + 2 ml of 50% analgin and ampoules of vitamin B¹². The blockade is performed one or more times with an interval of 3-4 days. Then, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs can be used - diclofenac or ibuprofen.

Damage to the ligamentous apparatus requires a relatively long recovery period - at least one month. After the pain syndrome has been relieved, the doctor prescribes medications for the regeneration of damaged tissues: these are chondroprotective drugs (chondroitin, glucosamine), hyaluronic acid preparations.

A few days after the injury, physiotherapy procedures are prescribed: Bernard currents, electrophoresis with Kyod-novocaine, manual therapy, therapeutic baths.

Massage for sprained arm ligaments

With the doctor's permission, it is often recommended to carry out massage rehabilitation measures. Light massage usually begins on the third day after the injury, if there is no damage to large vessels and the risk of bleeding, and body temperature indicators do not exceed the norm.

Massage sessions should be daily. During the first two or three days, practice resorption massage – pay attention only to the areas located above the damaged area. Use stroking, circular rubbing, stroke-like action, longitudinal kneading, light vibration. Zonal massage of the cervical sympathetic plexuses gives a good effect. Treat the sternocleidomastoid muscles, the supraclavicular border of the trapezius muscle, the outer borders of the latissimus dorsi, the deltoid muscle, the zones of the sternoclavicular and clavicular-acromial joint on the injured side.

If after 1-2 sessions of such massage there is no increase in pain syndrome and deterioration in well-being, proceed to massage directly the injured area. Use light superficial stroking, low-amplitude vibration and gentle rubbing.

Gradually, along with the process of tissue restoration, massage movements become more intense: kneading, patting, and tissue shifting techniques are included. Tendons, bone protrusions, and joint bags are carefully massaged.

Initial sessions last about 5-10 minutes, then the duration of the massage is increased to 20 minutes. The duration of the therapeutic course is about 2 weeks.

The best effect is achieved by performing thermal procedures (sollux, paraffin applications, electric light baths) immediately before the massage session.

Ointment for sprained hand ligaments

The therapeutic effect of the ointment for sprained hand ligaments is explained by the composition of the drug, its active substance. According to the principle of action, ointments can be divided into several categories.

1. Ointments with non-steroidal anti-inflammatory composition relieve swelling and pain syndrome. They can be used for no more than 7-10 days. Such ointments include ketoprofen, indomethacin, voltaren, diclofenac.
2. Steroid ointments contain hormonal substances that can suppress the development of the inflammatory process and prevent swelling. Steroid ointments include hydrocortisone and prednisolone ointments.
3. Absorbent ointments are designed to enhance local blood circulation, which helps to resolve the inflammatory infiltrate and quickly restore damaged tissue. This category includes ointments made from bee or snake venom, with the addition of essential oils, vitamins and camphor, as well as ointments with heparin. It should be noted that such ointments can only be used after the swelling has subsided, that is, a few days after the injury. Absorbent ointments: Apizartron, Viprosal, Vipratox.
4. Cooling ointments, unlike warming ones, are used immediately after injury. Such ointments contain menthol, which soothes pain and cools inflamed tissues. Among such ointments, the most famous are Efkamon and Gevkamen.
5. Warming distracting ointments are prepared mainly on the basis of capsicum or turpentine. When applied to the skin, such ointments, as a rule, cause a burning sensation and have a warming effect, which helps to activate local blood circulation and accelerate the process of tissue regeneration. Just like absorbable ointments, they are used a few days after the injury, but in no case immediately after the injury. Well-known warming ointments: Espole, Nikoflex, Finalgon, Myoton, Mellivenone.
6. Angioprotective ointments are designed to strengthen the walls of blood vessels that may be damaged as a result of injury. In addition, improving the condition of the vessels will help relieve swelling and eliminate hematomas. Such ointments include troxevasin, venoruton, etc.

All ointments should be applied to the damaged area as carefully as possible, in a thin layer, rubbed in with calm movements without excessive pressure on the tissue. After the procedure, it is imperative to wash your hands from the remains of the product. The course of treatment with one type of ointment should not exceed 10 days.

Folk remedies for sprained hand ligaments

If your doctor does not mind, you can also use folk methods of treating a sprained arm. Here are some of the most effective methods:

• grate a raw potato, add grated onion and a little sugar. Apply the resulting mixture as a compress to the injured area;
• peel and chop the garlic, pour in melted fat and add as many mint or eucalyptus leaves as you like. After the mixture has cooled, filter it and rub it into the sore spot 2-3 times a day;
• buy blue clay at the pharmacy, spread it on the fabric (clay layer - about 3 cm). Apply as a compress and wrap with a warm scarf. They say that three procedures a day are enough;
• Additionally, you should drink tea made from a mixture of elderberry flowers, willow bark and birch leaves. Nettle or parsley root can be added to the mixture if desired. This mixture relieves pain, eliminates inflammation and prevents infection in damaged tissues.

All of the above compresses and ointments can be used only when the swelling in the injured area has disappeared.

To stimulate the adrenal glands, it is recommended to drink tea from currant leaves, lingonberries and rose hips: as is known, the hormones of the adrenal cortex have an anti-inflammatory and healing effect. Tea should be drunk 400-500 ml per day half an hour before meals.

[ 11 ]

Prevention of hand sprains

Almost everyone can suffer from a sprained ligamentous apparatus of the hand if safety rules are not followed during physical activity, sports or active games. Physical education classes should be conducted in appropriate equipment and sports shoes.

If you prefer high heels, walk carefully so as not to fall. Avoid potholes and uneven road surfaces, try to watch your feet.

If your body weight is far from ideal, it is advisable to lose extra pounds. Change your lifestyle, do exercises, review the principles of daily nutrition. The absence of excess weight and moderate physical activity have a strengthening effect on the ligamentous apparatus.

Before physical activity, do some stretching and warm-up exercises: this will make the ligaments more elastic and protect you from strain.

If you are doing strength training with an emphasis on the upper limbs, use special wrist protectors. Do not try to immediately take a large weight load after a long break: load the muscular system gradually, smoothly moving from light to heavy weight.

Review your diet: vitamin D and calcium must be present in the menu. You can also take special preparations that strengthen the ligamentous apparatus. Such preparations include collagen products, chondroitin and glucosamine.

Prognosis for a sprained hand

After completing a course of treatment for a sprained arm, you will have to limit yourself to sports and lifting weights using your upper limbs for some time. The rehabilitation course can last up to several months, such a period is individual in nature, depending on the severity of the injury and the age category of the patient.

If you follow all of your doctor's recommendations and adhere to the ligament recovery plan, the prognosis is usually favorable.

Unfortunately, many tend to classify sprained arm ligaments as minor injuries that do not require medical intervention. But it is important to remember that without certain knowledge, you can easily make a mistake with the diagnosis, and then you will not be able to avoid negative consequences. It is still better to get help from a specialist, at least in order to exclude dangerous moments of injury, as well as to choose the most appropriate treatment in this case.

[ 12 ], [ 13 ], [ 14 ], [ 15 ], [ 16 ]