The Schafer Law Office

Are Strain/Sprain Injuries Permanent?

Have you been in a Kentucky automobile accident?  Being involved in a car wreck may cause you serious injuries.  The most common injury experienced in Kentucky auto accidents are strain/sprain type injuries.

A sprain is an injury to a tough, thick and fibrous tissue that connects bones together called the ligament.  The ligaments purpose is to hold your skeleton together in a normal alignment.  If too much force is applied it will cause the ligaments to be stretched and torn.  A sprain injury will usually arise.

A strain is an injury to a muscle or tendon.  These muscles are made to stretch but if stretched too far, or if stretched while contracting, a strain injury may result.

A strain/sprain injury can be permanent.  They are commonly graded according to the extent of the injury. 

• Grade I is overstretching of the ligament. 
• Grade II is partial tearing of the ligament that does not heal; it wound repairs with internal scar tissue called adhesions and leaves the joint unstable.  The two grades can usually be treated conservatively with treatments such as physical therapy. 
• Grade III injury is a complete tear of the ligament may require treatment through surgery.

Sprain /strain injuries need to be checked up by a chiropractor or an orthopedic doctor.  Such injuries should not be taken for granted since it may be a permanent injury that can affect you for the rest of your life.  It is best to be examined immediately after a Kentucky car accident to determine if you are injured and can receive the treatment you need.