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:: Sprains & Strains

Injuries & Wounds - Sprains & Strains
  Injuries & Wounds
  Sprains & Strains

A sprain is a stretched or torn ligament, which is the tissue that connects bones at a joint. Falling, twisting, or getting hit can all cause a sprain. Common areas are the ankle and wrist, and symptoms include pain, swelling, bruising and being unable to move the joint.

Tendonitis is where the tendons become inflamed, usually resulting from a strain, trauma or excessive exercise.

A strain is a stretched or torn muscle or tendon, which is tissue that connect muscle to bone. Twisting or pulling these tissues can cause a strain, which can happen suddenly or develop over time. Back and hamstring muscle strains are common, and a lot of people get strains playing sports. Symptoms include pain, muscle spasms, swelling and trouble moving the muscle.

Signs & Symptoms:

Sprains, which affect joints, and strains which affect muscles, usually occur after an accident.

For a sprain:

  • pain in the joint
  • swelling of a joint
  • difficulty moving a joint

For a strain:

  • sharp pain at injury, followed by stiffness, tenderness, and in some cases, swelling

Medication:

  • Pain relievers can help reduce pain and swelling
  • Anti-inflammatory creams, gels and sprays wil help reduce pain and swelling.  Avoid heat rubs and liniments for the first 48 hours.
  • Do not use pain relievers or local anaesthetic sprays to relieve pain in order to continue to exercise with an injury

Treatment:

  • Rest and support the ijured part to stop further damage
  • Ice the injury until the area becomes numb or the skin becomes pink (20 minutes)
  • Compression - apply a firm compression bandage to help the swelling go dowhn.
  • Elevation - if possible, keep the injured part above the level of the heart to help reduce the swelling.
  • Refer to your doctor or physiotherapist for advice and ongoing care

Recovering from Injury

  • Make sure injury is healed fully before returning to full exercise
  • Have a sports first aid kit on hand
  • Avoid drinking alcohol

Preventing Injury

  • Wear the correct footwear and clothing
  • Keep flexible
  • Warm up prior to sport or vigorous activities

Further Information:

 

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