Medical Condition - Sprains and Strains
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Sprains and Strains - Medical Description
 A sprain is a tearing or stretching of ligaments or joints. Ligaments are tough bands of tissue that connect bones to other bones to form a joint. When a lot of force is applied to a joint, the ligament can tear. Areas most common for sprains are the ankles and knees.
A strain is a tearing or stretching of muscles or tendons. Tendons connect muscles to bones. Strains result when you overuse or improperly use a muscle. The most common areas for a strain are hamstrings and the back.
Sprains and strains are usually caused by overexertion or stress to an area. They are very common. You can have a sprain in the same area more than once because the area has become less stable. Children under the age of 8 are less likely to have sprains because their ligaments are tighter. Their bones are more likely to break before a ligament is torn.
Medical Symptoms
Sprain symptoms – There are 3 grades of sprains
Grade I - Mild Sprain
- Pain, especially with movement
- Slight swelling
- Tenderness
- Ligament has stretched but is usually not torn
- Can move the joint and put weight on it
Grade II – Moderate Sprain
- More extensive pain
- More obvious swelling
- Partial tearing of the ligament
- Bruising
- Little joint function
- Difficulty putting weight on the area
Grade III – Severe Sprain
- Severe pain
- Wide spread swelling
- Complete tearing of the ligament
- Bruising
- Loss of joint function
- Not able to put any weight on the area
See a doctor when: For a sprain, you should see a doctor if you hear popping sounds or are not able to put weight on the area.
Strain symptoms
- Pain or soreness
- Possible spasms
- Stiffness
- Bruising
- Swelling
See a doctor when: For a strain, you should see a doctor if the area became swollen quickly, you are in intense pain or if you think there might be a ruptured muscle or broken bone. For a minor strain, see a doctor if the pain, swelling and stiffness does not improve after 2-3 days.
Medical Diagnosis
When diagnosing the injury your doctor will do a physical exam, ask a lot of questions about the cause of the injury and take x-rays. An MRI may also be used to help diagnosis the injury’s extent.
Mild and moderate sprains can take two to six weeks to heal and it can take months to recover from a severe ligament tear. Once a joint has been sprained, it will never be as strong as it was before.
Medical Treatment and Relief Solutions
Self-Care at Home
When taking care of the injury at home you will need to use the RICE method as soon as possible:
- Rest – to prevent further injury, try not to use the injured area for two days. Then gradually begin to use it again.
- Ice – apply immediately to keep swelling down and help with spasms. For 48 hours, while you're awake, use ice for 15 to 20 minutes at a time and repeat every two to three hours.
- Compression – wrap with an elastic bandage to help stop swelling. Be careful not to wrap it too tightly as you do not want to cut off blood supply. Loosen the wrap if pain increases, the area becomes numb or swelling occurs below the wrapped area.
- Elevate the injured area above the level of the heart – this will reduce swelling and help allow fluid and blood to drain downhill to the heart.
- Help control inflammation and pain with Ibuprofen or Aleve. (Tylenol will just help control pain)
- You can apply heat to the area when most of the swelling has gone down.
If treated by a physician
- They may prescribe slings, crutches, splints or a cast for short term immobilization.
- Ask your doctor for exercises to strengthen and condition the muscles around the joint or area that has been injured.
- Surgery may be needed to repair a ligament or tear in muscles or tendons.
- Elevate the injured area above the level of the heart – this will reduce swelling and help allow fluid and blood to drain downhill to the heart.
- Help control inflammation and pain with Ibuprofen or Aleve. (Tylenol will just help control pain)
- You can apply heat to the area when most of the swelling has gone down.
Prevention
- Warm up muscles before exercising or working out by stretching.
- Wear braces and supports for recently sprained/strained areas or for areas known to be unstable.
- To lift a heavy item, use proper lifting techniques: Squat to lift an item rather than bending at the waist. Get the item as close to you as possible. Keep your back straight and use your leg muscles when picking it up.
- Wear proper fitting and slip-proof shoes.
- Do exercises to strengthen and condition the muscles around the joint or area that has been injured.
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