Musculoskeletal

Sprains and Strains

A sprain is a stretching or tearing of ligaments (the tough bands of fibrous tissue that connect bones in a joint). A strain is a stretching or tearing of a muscle or tendon. Both are very common injuries, often occurring during sports or other physical activities. The ankle is the most commonly sprained joint; the back and hamstring are commonly strained.

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Symptoms

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Causes

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Treatments

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Prevention

Condition Overview

Understand key symptoms, causes, diagnosis options, and treatment pathways for Sprains and Strains. This overview is intended for patient awareness and should be followed by specialist consultation.

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Symptoms

  • Pain
  • Swelling
  • Bruising
  • Limited ability to move the affected joint
  • Hearing or feeling a 'pop' in the joint at time of injury (sprain)
  • Muscle spasm
  • Weakness

Causes

  • Falls, twisting motions, blunt force trauma (sprains)
  • Overuse, excessive training, improper warm-up (strains)

Diagnosis

  • Physical examination
  • X-rays (to rule out fracture)
  • MRI (for severe injuries)

Treatment

  • RICE (Rest, Ice, Compression, Elevation)
  • NSAIDs
  • Physical therapy
  • Bracing or casting for severe sprains
  • Surgery (for complete ligament or tendon tears)

Risk Factors

  • Sports participation
  • Prior injury
  • Poor conditioning
  • Fatigue
  • Inadequate equipment

Prevention

  • Regular conditioning and flexibility exercises
  • Proper warm-up
  • Supportive footwear
  • Avoid exercising when tired

Prevalence

Ankle sprains alone account for about 25,000 injuries per day in the United States.