Editing Sprain (section)

=== Functional rehabilitation ===
The components of an effective rehabilitation program for all sprain injuries include increasing the range of motion of the affected joint and progressive muscle strengthening exercises.<ref>{{Cite journal|last1=Keene|first1=David J|last2=Williams|first2=Mark A|last3=Segar|first3=Anand H|last4=Byrne|first4=Christopher|last5=Lamb|first5=Sarah E|date=2016-02-25|title=Immobilisation versus early ankle movement for treating acute lateral ankle ligament injuries in adults|journal=Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews|doi=10.1002/14651858.cd012101|s2cid=74861780 |issn=1465-1858|doi-access=free}}</ref> After implementing conservative measures to reduce swelling and pain, mobilizing the limb within 48–72 hours following injury has been shown to promote healing by stimulating [[growth factor]]s in musculoskeletal tissues linked to cellular division and [[Extracellular matrix|matrix]] remodeling.<ref name=":6" />

Prolonged [[Muscle immobilization|immobilization]] can delay the healing of a sprain, as it usually leads to [[muscle atrophy]] and weakness.<ref>{{Cite journal|last1=Mattacola|first1=Carl G.|last2=Dwyer|first2=Maureen K.|date=2002|title=Rehabilitation of the Ankle After Acute Sprain or Chronic Instability|journal=Journal of Athletic Training|volume=37|issue=4|pages=413–429|issn=1062-6050|pmid=12937563|pmc=164373}}</ref> Although prolonged immobilization can have a negative effect on recovery, a study in 1996 suggest that the use of bracing can improve healing by alleviating pain and stabilizing the injury to prevent further damage to the ligament or re-injury.<ref name="familydoctor">{{cite web|url=https://811.novascotia.ca/health_topics/ankle-sprains-healing-and-preventing-injury/ |title=Ankle Sprains: Healing and Preventing Injury|author=familydoctor.org editorial staff|publisher=American Academy of Family Physicians|date=2010-12-01 |orig-year=Created:1996-01-01}}</ref> When using a brace, it is necessary to ensure adequate blood flow to the extremity.<ref name=":2">{{Citation|last1=Hsu|first1=Hunter|title=Forearm Splinting|date=2019|url=http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK499980/|work=StatPearls|publisher=StatPearls Publishing|pmid=29763155|access-date=2019-03-12|last2=Siwiec|first2=Ryan M.|name-list-style=vanc}}</ref> Ultimately, the goal of functional rehabilitation is to return the patient to full daily activities while minimizing the risk of re-injury.