Strains and Sprains

What are strains and sprains?

Strains and sprains occur when muscles, tendons, or ligaments are stretched beyond their limit. The tissues may stretch too far, develop a small tear, or rupture.

Strains affect your muscles and tendons, while sprains are ligament injuries. These injuries typically occur due to:

• Overuse (frequently repeating the same movement)
• Sudden impact to the joint (fall or blow)
• Twisting the joint
• Abrupt joint movements
• Improper technique
• Muscle fatigue

You have a higher risk of strains and sprains if you’re active in athletics, but anyone can pull a muscle or sprain their ankle (or other joint) during everyday life.

What are the symptoms of strains and sprains?

Depending on the injury’s severity, strains and sprains may cause mild to severe pain. You’ll also have symptoms such as:

• Swelling
• Bruising
• Inflammation
• Cramping
• Muscle spasms
• Muscle weakness (strain)
• Joint weakness (sprain)
• Joint instability (sprain)
• Limited movement
• Inability to use the affected area
• Popping sound or sensation (ligament rupture)

Fractures also cause pain, bruising, swelling, and limited movement, and they can occur at the same time as a strain or sprain.

How are minor strains and sprains treated?

You can treat most minor strains and sprains at home using the RICE technique:

• Rest: Rest and avoid activities using the affected area.
• Ice: Use a cold pack as soon as possible to reduce swelling. Apply it for 20 minutes (don’t put ice directly on your skin), and repeat icing several times each day for the first 48 hours.
• Compression: Wear an elastic compression bandage to reduce swelling.
• Elevation: Elevating the injured limb higher than your heart when resting reduces swelling.

This can be very effective in healing a sprain or strain.

Do I need to see a doctor for a strain or sprain?

It’s crucial to seek immediate medical care when a minor strain or sprain doesn’t improve or you:

• Can’t move or use the injured area
• Develop numbness or tingling
• Have severe pain, swelling, or bruising
• Previously injured the same muscle or ligament
• Want to ensure optimal healing

A prompt diagnosis and treatment ensures the muscle, tendon, or ligament recovers and regains its pre-injury strength. If the injury doesn’t fully heal or you return to activities too soon, you can end up with permanent weakness and joint instability.

NewMed Immediate Care takes X-rays and determines the best treatment. The team typically treats strains and sprains with immobilization and activity modification. However, a ruptured tendon or ligament may need surgical repair to restore optimal strength — the clinic provides referrals when necessary.

If you need help with a strain or sprain, you can walk in, call the office, or request an appointment online today.