Is it a Sprain or a Strain?

Whether it’s a twisted knee or a pain in the neck, nearly everyone has experienced a sprain or a strain. Even though these injuries are widespread, there is often confusion about which is which. This is because, in many cases, the initial symptoms and treatments can be very similar. But it’s the long-term impact and rehabilitation where the difference counts.

Ligaments are stretchy bands of tissue that hold the bones of your joints together. When a ligament is overstretched, a sprain occurs. Symptoms include pain, rapid swelling and sometimes bruising of the joint along with stiffness and trouble moving the affected area. Without proper rehabilitation, a sprained joint may be prone to repeat injuries, reduced range of motion, instability or other issues.

Strains or muscle pulls occur when excessive stretching causes damage to the muscle or the tendon, which anchors the muscle to bone. Symptoms include intense pain, followed by stiffness, tenderness and swelling in some cases. Strains can occur anywhere in the body where there is muscle. Without proper healing, reduced strength and chronic tendinitis may become an issue.

However, with proper care, most mild to moderate sprains and strains heal in two to three weeks. Doctors routinely prescribe the RICE treatment:

• Rest for 24 to 48 hours and avoid moving the affected area.
• Ice the affected area for 10 to 15 minutes and repeat four times a day during the first 48 hours, to reduce swelling.
• (Apply) Compression to the injury with an elastic bandage. Wrap snugly, but not so tightly that it interferes with circulation. Ask your doctor for guidance if you’re not sure how to do this.
• Elevate the injury above your heart with a sling or pillow, if possible.

Ibuprofen can also help diminish pain and swelling. In addition to these steps, talk to your doctor about rehabilitation exercises you can do to ensure good healing. You should also call your doctor if:

• Severe pain lasts more than two to three days.
• You feel a pop when you use the joint.
• There seems to be misalignment in the bones.
• You cannot move the affected area at all.
• Strains or sprains occur repeatedly in the same area.
• You strain your back and have trouble walking or moving.

If you ever have concerns outside of office hours or cannot wait for an appointment, Riverview Health Westfield Hospital offers urgent care from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. every day. You can also receive care for sports-related injuries at our walk-in clinics in Carmel (open Monday-Friday from 4-6 p.m. and Saturday from 8-10 a.m) and Westfield (open Monday-Friday from 8-10 a.m.). As always, our emergency rooms in Noblesville and Carmel are open 24/7.

Ready to meet with one of our orthopedic and sports medicine doctors? Call us at 317.565.0505 to request an appointment.

Source: NIAMS.NIH.gov