Sprains and strains are common. It can happen to anyone, an active football player or a couch potato. Unfortunately, most people make mistakes when self-diagnosing the conditions of sprain or strain. After reading this post, you can differentiate between a sprain and a strain. Identifying whether a person has a sprain or a strain is important so that the caregiver can provide the best management or treatment. Although the treatments are similar, knowing the cause of the pain is often soothing.
A sprain is a pain caused by a tear in the ligament of a joint. Ligaments are the anatomical structures that connect bones at a joint. In a sprain, these ligament is either partially injured or completely torn. The most common sprains occur in the ankles, wrist, knee, and thumb. Ankle sprains are common; I bet you have seen at least one person with an ankle sprain. The typical presentation of a sprain is the rapid swelling of the affected area and intense pain. Let me give a few examples of events that can result in sprains. Ankle sprains can happen when the feet turn inward when running or landing after a jump. Knee sprains occur when there is a sudden twisting in the knee.
On the other hand, strains are pain caused by an overstretch or a tear to a muscle or a tendon attached to a bone. Tendon is the anatomical structure that connects muscle to bone. The most common strain occurs at the ankles, wrist, and elbow. However, back muscles and hamstrings can also be strained, especially when lifting heavy objects in poor posture. In addition, strains can be acute or chronic. Acute strains occur due to poor body mechanics when lifting heavy objects. Chronic strains occur when there is repetitive abuse of the muscles, for example, when doing the same repetitive movements. Often, factory workers are at risk of chronic strains, while acute strains occur in the settings of rigorous physical activity.
You can treat mild sprain or strain at home, but if conditions are not improving, they may need surgery. The severity of the symptoms may help you identify if you have a mild or severe sprain/ strain. Additionally, if multiple ligaments or tendons are completely torn, this indicates surgical repair.
Symptoms of a sprain include:
-Tenderness
-redness
-Swelling due to inflammation
-Decreased range of motion
-Inability to put weight on the affected part
Symptoms of strains include:
-Pain
-redness
-decreased range of motion
-muscle spasms and weakness
Diagnosis
There are many ways to diagnose sprains and strains. The best way to know if you have a strain or a sprain is to visit a doctor. A doctor will use physical exams and history to come up with a diagnosis. The doctor will assess the severity of the symptoms and perform imaging tests like an MRI or CT scan. The doctor often orders an X-ray too. Although you will not see muscles, ligaments, and tendons in an X-ray scan, an X-ray is helpful so that the doctor can rule out fractures and dislocated bones.
Treatment
Although you can manage mild sprains/strains at home, I recommend you see a doctor if the pain worsens or you experience numbness or tingling in the affected area.
The first 48 hours after the injury is crucial in the treatment process. After that, most doctors will advise you to follow the PRICE method. PRICE stands for protection, rest, ice, compression, and elevation. You can apply the PRICE method for both sprains and strains. It is a set of simple procedures focusing on reducing inflammation, pain, and swelling.
Protection: This means you have to stay off the injured area. You might need crutches or splints to help you immobilize the joint. Protection is important because it helps restore realignment to the joint. In addition, it gives the ligament and tendons time to heal.
Rest: You will need to decrease your level of exercise for a few weeks; this will allow time for the ligaments or tendons to heal.
Ice: The role of ice is to decrease inflammation. Apply ice on the injured area for 5-10 minutes. You should do this at least four times a day. Please note that you must not apply ice on the wounded area for more than 20 minutes to prevent frostbites. Alternatively, you can do an ice massage. To do an ice massage, put the ice in a cloth and use it to apply circular pressure on the affected area for only 5 minutes.
Compression: Compression provides continous pressure to the site of injury. Compression aims to reduce swelling. You can use compression socks or use a bandage. Please make sure that the dressing is not too tight or too loose.
Elevation: Elevation aims to decrease swelling. You can achieve this by keeping the injured area on a pillow, such that it is above the level of the heart.
I have used the PRICE method to help soccer players in my camp and university, so the technique works.
Sprains and strains take a long time to heal and often change the joint’s dynamics. Therefore, you should visit a physical therapist to help restore the natural dynamic of the joint. Physical therapy will also reduce the chances of the sprain or strain recurring.
Management
Strains and sprains can happen to anyone, but here are some tips to reduce your chances of getting sprains/ strains.
Only push yourself as much as your body can handle. This means you should be able to identify when you are tired or when your body or joints feel sore. This will enable you to avoid intense physical activity when tired or in pain.
Another way to reduce the risk of sprains and strains is by maintaining a healthy weight and a balanced diet. As we grow orders and our nutritional needs change, you should visit a registered dietitian so they can prepare a meal plan for your needs.
One of the most effective tips to reduce the risk of sprains and strains is warmups. Warmups help prepare the muscles for physical activity. Additionally, you can do stretching exercises daily to strengthen the muscles.
Finally, I recommend you invest in sport’s shoes and equipment.
Sprains and strains are prevalent and can happen to anybody. Even the most active players get sprains or strains. The good news is that if it is mild, they can be treated at home using the PRICE method. A doctor can diagnose the condition based on physical examinations, history taking, and also with the help of imaging tests.
In the next post, we will discuss the diagnosis and treatment for meniscus tears. So keep reading, like this post, and comment.
MABS 