| Sprains
and strains are common injuries to the musculoskeletal system. Although
these words are often used interchangeably, they are two different types
of injuries.
What is a sprain?
A
sprain is an injury involving the stretching or tearing of a ligament
(tissue that connects bone to bone) or a joint capsule (which stabilises
and supports the body’s joints).
What cause sprains?
Sprains
can occur when a joint is forced beyond its normal range of motion, such
as turning or rolling your ankle. They can also be caused by:
- Direct or indirect trauma that
knocks a joint out of position and overstretches, or in severe cases
ruptures, the supporting ligaments. For example, landing on an outstretched
arm, jumping up and landing on the side of a foot, or running on an
uneven surface.
- Weak muscles and poor physical
shape.
- Poor stretching/ warm ups before
exercise.
- Lifting heavy objects
- Pancreatic enzyme deficiency due
to decreased nutrient absorption.
- Hormonal problems.
What are the symptoms of sprains?
- While the intensity varies, rapid
swelling, pain, bruising, and inflammation and are common to all three
categories of sprains – mild, moderate and severe.
- Feeling of a tear or pop in the
joint.
- A SEVERE SPRAIN produces excruciating
pain at the moment of injury and an inability to move the limb (arm,
leg, foot).
- A MODERATE SPRAIN causes joint
instability and some swelling.
- A MILD SPRAIN causes a stretching
of the ligament but no joint loosening.
|
What is a strain?
Strains
are injuries that involve the twisting, pulling or tearing of a muscle
and/or tendon (fibrous cords of tissue that attach muscles to bone).
What causes strains?
Strains
occur when a muscle is stretched and suddenly contracts, as with running
or jumping. They can also be caused by:
- Overuse- prolonged, repetitive
movements of muscles and tendons.
- Acute strains are caused by a
direct blow to the body, overstretching, or excessive muscle contraction.
- Chronic (long lasting) strains
are injuries that gradually build up from overuse or repetitive stress,
resulting in tendonitis (inflammation of a tendon). For example, a tennis
player may get tendonitis in his or her shoulder as the result of constant
stress from repeated serves.
What are the symptoms
of strains?
- With a mild strain, the muscle
or tendon is stretched or pulled, causing pain, muscle spasm, loss of
strength, swelling, and inflammation and cramping.
- Some muscle function will be lost
with a moderate strain, where the muscle/tendon is over stretched and
slightly torn.
- In severe strains, the muscle
and/or tendon are partially or completely ruptured, often incapacitating
the individual.
Treatments of sprains and strains
The
key to recovery is an early evaluation by a chiropractor or other medical
professional. Once the injury has been determined, a treatment plan can
be developed with proper care, most sprains and strains will heal without
long term side effects.
Immediate
first aid
- Control bleeding, if present.
- Care for shock.
- Splint affected area to prevent
further movement, but do so only if possible without causing further
pain to victim.
- Cold packs may help reduce pain
and swelling.
Mild injuries usually heal quickly with rest, ice,
compression and elevation (RICE). Therapeutic exercise can also help restore
strength and flexibility.
Moderate injuries are treated similarly but may require
immobilisation of the injured area to permit healing.
Severe sprains and strains usually require immobilisation
and possibly surgery to restore function.
Prevention tips
No one
is immune to sprains and strains, but here are some tips to help reduce
the risk of injury:
- Participate in a conditioning
program to build muscle strength.
- Do stretching exercises daily.
- Always wear properly fitted shoes.
- Nourish your muscles by eating
a well balanced diet.
- Warm up and down when doing any
sports activity, including practice.
- Use or wear protective equipment
appropriate for that sport.
- Discard old training shoes.
|