Perhaps you’ve once had a sprain, or you’ve probably heard of this type of injury before. But do you know how they occur and what body structures they affect? More importantly, do you know how to deal with them or, better yet, prevent them? To help you understand this type of injury, we’ve prepared the following article.
Sprains most commonly occur in the ankles, but they can affect any joint in the body. To understand this phenomenon, it is necessary to first understand the role of ligaments in the joints.
Ligaments are bands of fibrous connective tissue. They play an important role in joint mobility because they connect the bones together within the same joint and prevent wrong moves by stabilizing them. When a sprain occurs, there is stretching or tearing of the ligament in the affected joint. A sprain can also occur if there is tearing of muscle fibres.
For example, ankles, wrists, knees, lumbar (lower back) and shoulder muscles, to name a few, can all be sprained. The severity is determined by the degree of damage to the ligament.
Falls, sports injuries, wrong moves, fatigue due to repetitive movements… These are some of the causes of sprains. Here is a short guide to recognize sprains based on their symptoms and severity:
A few golden rules for healing sprains, regardless of severity.
At all times, it is essential to follow the directions of your healthcare professional. In doubt, do not hesitate to consult for specific advice on your situation.
Regular physical activity strengthens the joints and their ligaments, reducing the risk of sprains and strains. But beware! Be sure to warm up before your workout and stretch at the end of your session to reduce the risk of injury!
Ligament injuries can also be prevented by promoting ligament health and strength. Since they are composed of 80% collagen, it goes without saying that taking supplements may be indicated, especially as we age, since the body’s natural production of collagen decreases from the age of 30, and this decrease becomes more pronounced from the age of 50. Genacol products contain AminoLock Collagen, which has a low molecular weight, thus facilitating its absorption by the body. Taking Genacol supplements supports ligaments health, thus reducing the risk of sprains and other joint injuries!