Lower Body Sprains

Knee Sprain

Stretch or tear of the ACL, PCL, MCL, and/or LCL

Knee Sprain Prevention

Preseason strengthening and flexibility exercises and adequate warm-up

Knee Sprain Causes

• force to the anterior, posterior, medial, or lateral knee

• torsion (rotary force) at the knee

• hyperextension or hyperflexion

• weak thigh musculature

Knee Sprain S&S

Grade I

• slight point tenderness

• mild pain with knee flexion/extension

Grade II & III

• same as above, but moderate to severe pain

• feeling of looseness, instability

• hearing/feeling a “pop”

• swelling

• limping or inability to bear weight

Ankle Sprain

Stretch or tear of the lateral or medial ankle ligaments

• lateral is most common = 80% of all ankle sprains

Ankle Sprain Prevention

Preseason strengthening and flexibility exercises and adequate warm-up

Ankle Sprain Causes

• forced inversion (lateral) or forced eversion (medial)

• torsion

Ankle Sprain S&S

Grade I

• slight point tenderness and mild pain over affected ligaments

• mild pain with ankle dorsiflexion, plantar flexion, inversion, and/or eversion

Grade II & III

• same as above, but moderate to severe pain

• feeling of looseness, instability

• hearing/feeling a “pop”

• swelling

• bruising

• limping or inability to bear weight

High Ankle Sprain

Stretch or tear of the distal tibiofibular joint ligaments and/or syndesmosis

High Ankle Sprain Prevention

preseason strengthening and flexibility exercises and adequate warm-up

High Ankle Sprain Causes

Sudden, forceful twisting, cutting, or landing motions that force dorsiflexion of the ankle and/or external rotation of the tibia

High Ankle Sprain S&S

• pain/tenderness over affected area

• swelling

• bruising

• instability

• difficulty bearing weight

Turf Toe

Stretch or tear of the plantar ligaments at the MCP joint of the great toe

Turf Toe Prevention

Shoes with stiffer forefoot bend

Turf Toe Causes

Hyperextension of the great toe

Turf Toe S&S

Grade I

• slight point tenderness and mild pain over affected area

• mild pain with great toe flexion and extension, walking, running, or jumping

Grade II & III

• same as above, but moderate to severe pain

• swelling

• decreased ability or inability to land on the ball of the foot, walk on toes, run, or jump

• limping

Sprains First Aid

1. Remove from play and rest athlete from all activities

2. Apply ice for 15 minutes

3. Apply compression wrap and brace as necessary

4. Sent to health care provider if S&S worsen or do not subside within a few days

5. Moderate to Severe — Monitor and treat for shock, if needed, call 911

• Prevent athlete from walking (crutches/boot)

Sprains Playing Status

Mild: RTP when S&S subside, and have full, pain-free ROM and strength

Moderate to Severe: cannot RTP until examined and released by health care provider

• taping, bracing, wrapping as needed