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Sprains and strains can cause a great deal of pain. If you want to avoid limping around for longer than necessary, learn how to look out for signs of trouble and what you can do in such a situation What is a sprain? How do you know when to seek a doctor’s help?
What is a sprain? How do you know when to seek a doctor’s help?
When you overdo it physically, you may experience sudden pain and swelling around
a joint or a muscle. This may occur when you stretch too far, change direction
or slow down abruptly, land awkwardly, or collide with another player during a
sporting event. The injury you have may be a sprain or a strain. Here’s the
distinction:
* Sprain: A sprain is a stretching or tearing of ligaments. Ligaments are
tough bands of fibrous tissue that connect one bone to another. They help to stabilise
joints, preventing excessive movement. Sprains are frequently caused by rapid
changes in direction or by a collision. Common locations for sprains are your
ankles, wrists and knees.
* Strain: A strain is a stretching or tearing of muscle. This type of injury
often occurs when muscles suddenly and powerfully contract, or when a muscle stretches
unusually far. This is called an acute strain. But overuse of certain muscles
over time can lead to a chronic strain. People commonly call muscle strains “pulled”
muscles. Hamstring and back injuries are among the most common strains.
* SPRAIN: Sprains can cause rapid swelling. Generally, the greater the
pain and swelling, the more severe the injury.
* Mild. Your ligament stretches excessively or tears slightly. The area
is somewhat painful, especially with movement. It’s tender. There’s
not a lot of swelling. You can put weight on the joint.
* Moderate. The fibers in your ligament tear, but they don’t rupture
completely. The joint is tender, painful and difficult to move. The area is swollen
and may be discoloured from bleeding in the area. You may feel unsteady when you
try to bear weight on your leg.
* Severe. One or more ligaments tear completely. The area is painful. You
can’t move your joint normally or put weight on it. If you try to walk, your
leg feels as if it will give way. The joint becomes very swollen and also can
be discoloured. The injury may be difficult to distinguish from a fracture or
dislocation, which requires medical care. You may need a brace to stabilise the
joint or surgical repair in certain ligament injuries.
* Strains: Depending on the severity of the strain, signs and symptoms
may include:
* Mild. Pain and stiffness that occur with movement and may last a few
days.
*Moderate. Partial muscle tears result in more extensive pain, swelling
and bruising. The pain may last one to three weeks.
*Severe. The muscle is torn apart or ruptured. You may have significant
bleeding, swelling and bruising around the muscle. Your muscle may not function
at all, and you may need surgical repair if the muscle has torn away completely
from the bone. For a sprain, seek emergency medical care in the following situations:
* Popping sound. You may hear a popping sound when your joint is injured;
you may have considerable swelling of the joint and be unable to use it. On the
way to the doctor, apply an ice pack.
* Inability to bear weight. You’re unable to bear weight on an injured
joint because of a feeling of instability or pain.
* Severe sprain. Inadequate or delayed treatment may cause long-term joint
damage or chronic pain. For a strain, seek medical help immediately if the area
quickly becomes swollen and is intensely painful or if you suspect a ruptured
muscle or a broken bone. Also call your doctor if the pain, swelling and stiffness
of less-severe strains don’t improve in two to three days.
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