Sprains Strains - Causes, Symptoms and Treatment

Sprains and strains are a description of what happens to the muscles, and other non-bony structures connected to our bones, when they are put under excessive pressure or strain. Sprains and strains occur as a result of an injury, when the joint is subjected to more physical force that it can withstand. The risk of sprains and strains increases with obesity and poor muscular conditioning. The usual signs and symptoms include pain, swelling, bruising, instability, and loss of the ability to move and use the joint (called functional ability). However, these signs and symptoms can vary in intensity, depending on the severity of the sprain. Sprains and strains often occur together in or near a joint, since joints absorb the stress of movement and are vulnerable to be being twisted or wrenched. The ankle and the knee are the most common sites of such injuries. Depending on the severity of the injury, a strain may be a simple overstretch of the muscle or tendon, or it can result in a partial or complete tear. Ankle sprains are one of the most common injuries in professional and recreational sports and activities.

Sprains or strains are uncommon in younger children because their growth plates are weaker than the muscles or tendons. Instead, children are prone to fractures. Most sprains and strains, although painful, can be dealt with by someone who knows first aid, but sometimes there is more extensive damage, eg a broken bone (fracture) or a complete rupture of a muscle or tendon. Two common sites for a strain are the back and the hamstring muscle. Contact sports such as soccer, football, hockey, boxing, and wrestling put people at risk for strains. Treatments for sprains and strains are similar and can be thought of as having two stages. The goal during the first stage is to reduce swelling and pain. At this stage, health care providers usually advise patients to follow a formula of rest, ice, compression, and elevation for the first 24 to 48 hours after the injury. Severe sprains and strains may require surgery to repair the torn ligaments, muscle, or tendons. Surgery is usually performed by an orthopaedic surgeon. Mild sprains and strains may require rehabilitation exercises and activity modification during recovery.

Causes of Sprains strains

The common causes and risk factor's of Sprains strains:

• Poor muscular conditioning.
• Direct or indirect trauma (a fall, a blow to the body, etc.)
• Obesity.

Symptoms of Sprains strains

Some sign and symptoms related to Sprains Strains are as follows:

• Mild-to-severe pain in the affected joint that worsens with movement or application of pressure.
• Swelling is often obvious, and this is usually very tender.
• Bruising.
• Redness around the affected joint.
• Loss of mobility in the affected joint.

Treatment of Sprains strains

• Rest the injured area. If the ankle or knee is hurt, the doctor might tell you to use crutches or a cane.
• Compress (squeeze) the injury using special bandages, casts, boots, or splints. Your doctor will tell you which one is best for you.
• For mild sprains and strains, your doctor likely will recommend basic self-care measures and an over-the-counter pain reliever such as ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin, others) or acetaminophen (Tylenol, others).
• Ice the affected area to reduce swelling. After 24 hours, either ice or heat may be applied to reduce pain.
• In some cases, such as in the case of a torn ligament or ruptured muscle, surgery may be considered.