Strains and Sprains

What are strains and sprains?

A strain occurs when you pull muscles and tendons beyond their natural limit. Sprains are the same injury in a ligament. These injuries often overstretch the tissue but can also cause anything from a slight tear to a complete rupture.

Strains and sprains occur due to:

• Muscle fatigue
• Improper technique
• Sudden impact on the joint
• Twisting the joint
• Abrupt joint movement
• Overuse (stress from repeating the same movement)

Anyone can suffer a strain or sprain, but your risk is higher if you’re involved in athletics.

What are the symptoms of strains and sprains?

Both injuries cause similar symptoms, including:

• Bruising
• Inflammation
• Swelling
• Muscle spasms or cramping
• Muscle weakness (for a strain)
• Joint weakness (for a sprain)
• Joint instability (for a sprain)
• Limited movement
• Inability to put weight on the affected area
• Popping sound or sensation (for a ligament rupture)

During a severe injury, you could also break a bone. You might not realize that you have a fracture because broken bones cause the same symptoms (pain, swelling, inflammation, and bruising).

How are minor strains and sprains treated?

You can treat a minor injury at home using the RICE technique:

Rest

Avoid activities involving the injured area and rest as much as possible.

Ice

Placing a cold pack on the injury eases swelling. Apply it for 20 minutes (being careful not to put it directly on your skin) at a time. Repeat icing several times daily for the first 48 hours.

Compression

Wrapping an elastic compression bandage around your arm or leg reduces swelling.

Elevation

While resting, raise the injured arm or leg higher than your heart to reduce swelling.

When do I need to see a doctor for a strain or sprain?

The skilled Cermak Immediate Care providers recommend scheduling an appointment if the injury doesn’t improve in a few days or your symptoms worsen.

You should also see them if you:

• Have severe pain, swelling, or bruising
• Can’t move or use the injured area
• Develop tingling or numbness
• Had a prior injury of the same ligament or muscle
• Want to restore optimal strength

Prompt treatment helps ensure that the tissues heal and regain the strength they had before the injury. Medical care for strains and sprains can include immobilization and activity changes.

However, a ruptured ligament or tendon might need surgical repair to ensure that it heals. Your provider will refer you to a specialist when necessary.

Walk in or schedule an appointment by calling the nearest office or using online booking if you need help with a strain or sprain.