Sprain or Strain

SPRAIN OR STRAIN

Sprains and strains are similar injuries. With a sprain, you’ve overstretched or torn a ligament or group of ligaments. Sprains often occur during a minor accident. For example, you can sprain your thumb if you are skiing and fall on an outstretched thumb. You can sprain your wrist if you fall and land on your hand.

If you’ve strained a muscle or tendon, you’ve overstretched or torn it. Acute strains (those that occur abruptly) occur when an activity forces a muscle or tendon to pull, strain, or tear suddenly, such as falling on ice or awkwardly lifting a heavy object. Chronic (long-lasting) strains may be the result of overuse during activities like golf and tennis.

For more information on Sprains and Strains, check out our blog - Is It a Sprain or a Strain? What Are the Differences

SYMPTOMS OF A SPRAIN

• You have tenderness, pain and swelling
• You might feel pain around the injury or that pain might travel to other areas
• You may not be in a lot of pain, but it persists, especially if you don't rest
• You may have trouble moving the strained muscle

SYMPTOMS OF A STRAIN

• You have pain and swelling
• You may see bruising around the injured area

WHAT CAN I DO ABOUT A SPRAIN OR STRAIN?

Applying ice and taking anti-inflammatory medication such as aspirin, ibuprofen, or naproxen can help with the pain and swelling. Resting the strained or sprained part is a very important for healing and to prevent further injury. Splints and braces will enable you to rest those body parts. Severe sprains can lead to weakness and instability in joints if left untreated.

SPLINTS AND BRACES THAT CAN HELP