| Strains and Sprains |
What is a Sprain?
A sprain is a partial or complete tear in the supporting ligaments surrounding a joint that usually follows a sharp twist. Symptoms include local pain (especially with joint movement), swelling, loss of mobility and black and blue discoloration.
What is a Strain?
A strain is an injured muscle or tendon. It can be acute or chronic and is caused by overuse or overstress. Symptoms include sharp pain with rapid swelling at time of injury followed by muscle tenderness and black and blue discoloration several days later.
What To Do To Feel Better?
(Sprains)
*Immobilize the injured joint with an elastic bandage to promote healing (remove the bandage before going to sleep at night)
*Control swelling by elevating the joint 48-72 hours
*Apply ice intermittently for the first 24-48 hours to help decrease the swelling
*Tylenol or Advil for pain relief
(Strains)
*Rest to the affected muscle or tendon
*Apply ice intermittently for the first 24-48 hours followed by heat
*Tylenol or Advil for pain relief
When To Go To The ER?
-Severe pain in the injured extremity
-Pallor (pale, dusky blue color) at the injured site
-No pulse in the extremity
-Loss of movement to the injured limb
-Numbness of the extremity
-Coldness in the extremity
-Deformity of the limb
An x-ray of an injured extremity is always a good idea since it is impossible to tell just by looking if a limb is broken!!! |
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