A severe strain consists of a complete tear of the tendon from its boney attachment and can be easily identified by a complete loss of function of the muscle-tendon group.Treatment is immediate attention by a trained physician. Surgical repair will be necessary in most cases.

A moderate sprain involves up to half the ligament fibres being torn. Moderat sprains are immediately painful and accompanied by swelling and some disability in the moving joint. Because the ligament is still at least fifty percent intact there is no noticeable instability to the joint. The healing of a moderate sprain is slow and
requires six to eight weeks for complete recovery (as long as a broken bone!).

During this time the partially torn ligament must be protected by wrapping o strapping. Complete immobilization is usually the best treatment until the healing is complete.

A severe sprain means a complete tear of the ligament and results in the loss of stability of the joint. Treatment consists of prompt medical attention and usually surgery will be necessary. When treating ALL soft-tissue and muscle-to-bone injuries a quick and easy

method to use is the ICER method.
Ice the injured area
Compression on the injured area
Elevation of the injured area
Rest