HEALTH TALK: Sprains and strains

INTRODUCTION

When you do too much physically, you may experience sudden pain and swelling around a joint or a muscle. Your injury may be a sprain or a strain. Here’s the distinction:

•    Sprain. A sprain is a stretching or tearing of ligaments. Ligaments are tough bands of fibrous tissue that connect one bone to another. Common places for sprains are ankles and knees.

•    Strain. A strain is a stretching or tearing of muscle or tendon. People commonly call strains “pulled” muscles. Hamstring and back injuries are the most common strains.

Treatment of these problems depends on the severity. Many times you can take care of them on your own.

SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS

Sprains and strains vary in severity. Signs and symptoms depend on the injury’s severity.

SPRAINS

Sprains can cause rapid swelling. Generally, the greater the pain and swelling, the more severe the injury.

•    Mild. Your ligament stretches excessively or tears slightly. The area is somewhat painful, especially with movement. It’s tender. There’s not much swelling, and you can put weight on the joint.

•    Moderate. The fibers in your ligament tear, but they don’t rupture completely. The joint is tender, painful, and difficult to move. The area is swollen and may be discolored from bleeding in the area. You may feel unsteady when you try to bear weight on your joint.

•    Severe. One or more ligaments tear completely. The area is painful. You can’t move your joint normally or put weight on it. If the sprain is in the ankle or knee, when you try to walk, your leg feels as if it will give way. The joint becomes very swollen and also can be discolored. The injury may be difficult to distinguish from a fracture or dislocation, which requires medical care.

STRAINS

Like with sprains, signs and symptoms of strains will vary depending on the injury’s severity. Common signs and symptoms include:

•    Pain
•    Stiffness
•    Swelling
•    Bruising

A severe strain means your muscle or tendon is torn apart or ruptured. You may have significant bleeding, swelling and bruising around the muscle and your muscle may not function at all.

CAUSES

Both sprains and strains occur commonly, and most result in minor injuries.

•    Sprains. A sprain occurs when you overextend or tear a ligament while severely stressing a joint. Ligaments are tough bands of fibrous tissue connecting one bone to another. They help to stabilize joints, preventing excessive movements. You may sprain your knee or ankle when walking or exercising on an uneven surface. A sprain may also occur when you land awkwardly, either at the end of a jump or while pivoting during athletic activity.

•    Strains. A muscle gets strained or pulled – or may even tear – when it stretches unusually far or abruptly. This type of injury – an acute strain – often occurs when muscles suddenly and powerfully contract. A muscle strain may occur when you slip on, say, a banana peel, run, jump, throw, lift a heavy object or lift in an awkward position. A chronic strain results from prolonged, repetitive movement of a muscle.

RISK FACTORS

Factors contributing to sprains and strains include:

•    Poor technique. The way you land from a jump – for example when practicing martial arts – may affect your risk of injury to a ligament in your knee called the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL). Landing with an inward rotation at the knee (“knock-knee” position) can predispose you to an ACL sprain.

•    Fatigue. Tired muscles are less likely to provide good support for your joints. When you’re tired, you’re also more likely to succumb to forces that could stress a joint or overextend a muscle.

•    Improper warm-up. Properly warming up before vigorous physical activity loosens your muscle and increases joint range of motion, making the muscle less tight and less prone to trauma and tears.

WHEN TO SEEK MEDICAL ADVICE

For a sprain, seek emergency medical care in the following situations.

•    Popping sound. Your may hear this when your joint is injured; you may have considerable swelling about the joint and be unable to use it. On your way to the doctor, apply an ice pack.

•    Inability to bear weight. You’re unable to bear weight on an injured joint because of a feeling of instability or pain.

•    Severe pain. Inadequate or delayed treatment may cause long-term joint or tissue damage.

For a strain, seek medical help immediately if the area quickly becomes swollen and is excruciatingly painful or if you suspect a ruptured muscle or broken bone. Also call the doc if the pain, swelling and stiffness of less severe strains don’t improve in two to three days.

TREATMENT

Treatment for a sprain or strain depends on the joint involved and the severity of the injury.

Mild to moderate injuries.

For mild sprains and strains, basic self-care measures and an over-the-counter pain reliever may be recommended. For a mild injury, apply ice to the area as soon as possible to minimize swelling.

More severe injuries

For a severe sprain or strain, immobilization of the area with a brace or splint may be done. In some cases, such as in the case of a torn ligament or ruptured muscle, surgery may be necessary.

SELF-CARE

For immediate self-care of a strain or sprain, try the P.R.I.C.E. approach – protection, rest, ice, compression, elevation. In most cases beyond a minor strain or sprain, you’ll want your doctor or physical therapist to help you with this process.

Most of us have had a sprain or strain and have employed the above measures. They’re pretty elementary and they work. But know when to consult the doc, as I’ve already told you.

See you next week.

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2 Comments

  1. Ole Skool
    December 22, 2011

    Thanks Doc for another great article

  2. Belle beff
    December 21, 2011

    Thanks Doc!! Seasons Greetings to you and you family.
    May He “The Most High” give you strength and good health to continue to do the good work you have undertaken.Thanks Again:

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