Traumatologist explains why a sprain should not be left unattended

Why 'toughing it out' is not a solution

A sprain is often perceived as a minor injury that simply needs to be waited out. Traumatologist Sergey Malykhin of AO Meditsina (the Roitberg Academic Clinic) explained in an interview with Gazeta.Ru why this approach can lead to problems in the future: ligaments hold the joint in place and control its movements, and if they have not healed sufficiently, the joint becomes less stable and the risk of re-injury increases.

What untreated injuries can lead to

The consequences depend on the severity of the injury. After a mild sprain, the problem may indeed go away on its own, especially with temporary restriction of load. But with a more serious injury, without proper rehabilitation, swelling, tenderness, a feeling of instability and limited movement may persist. A person begins to unconsciously protect the injured limb, which changes how the load is distributed across the muscles and the joint.

Can an old injury make itself known years later

According to the specialist, an ordinary sprain can indeed become a source of chronic pain years later, but it would be wrong to claim that any minor injury will necessarily lead to problems. The risk is higher if the damage was significant, the joint continued to bear load without rehabilitation, or the injuries were repeated. Old injuries most often show up where the joint is under heavy strain: a person regularly twists their ankle, feels unsure when walking on uneven surfaces, or notices pain after sports.

When surgery is needed and when to see a doctor

With a torn ligament, surgery is far from always required: the decision depends on which ligament is damaged, how severely, and whether the joint remains stable. In many cases, fixation, restriction of load, and subsequent restoration of movement and muscle strength are enough; surgery is needed for certain severe injuries or when conservative treatment fails to restore joint function.

Warning signs and the main mistake

An old injury can be signaled not only by pain: repeated twisting, a feeling that the joint 'gives way' or has become unreliable, swelling after ordinary exertion, and reduced mobility are all cause for concern. In such cases, a doctor can assess the stability of the joint and, if necessary, order an examination. The main mistake, in the traumatologist's view, is relying on pain alone: it may go away before the joint has fully regained its function. Gazeta.Ru previously reported how to tell a fracture from a bruise.