Sprains and strains

Sprains and strains affect the tissues that make up a joint, namely muscles, ligaments, and tendons. They occur when the tissues surrounding a joint are stretched or torn. Other injuries such as fractures may also arise or develop.

Sprains and strains particularly affect the limbs (e.g. arms and legs). However, they can affect any part of the body, such as the neck or the back.

Symptoms

The main symptoms are as follows:

• Pain
• Difficulty moving the joint or using the affected muscle
• Swelling
• In certain cases, ecchymosis (commonly known as bruising)

Causes and triggers

Sprains and strains are typically caused by the following incidents:

• Direct trauma, such as being in a car accident, experiencing a fall, or making an awkward movement
• Wear and tear caused by daily activities, vibrations, shaking, or repeated use of the same muscles or joints
• Overuse, as a result of intensive sports training, for instance

The severity of the injury depends on the extent of the stretch or tear and how much of the tissue was injured. These injuries can also become chronic if they aren't properly treated.

Treatment

In the first 24 to 48 hours following the injury, the goal is to decrease pain and inflammation. Here are the 5 elements of the PRICE treatment technique:

• Protection: protect the injured joint or limb.
  • Use a splint, for example.
• Rest: let the injured joint or muscle rest.
  • Use crutches to avoid using an injured leg, for example.
• Ice: apply a cold compress.
  • Use ice wrapped in a towel to avoid freezing the skin.
  • Apply for 15 to 20 minutes, several times a day.
• Compression: compress the joint.
  • Use an elastic bandage wrapped around the joint while taking care not to cut off blood circulation.
• Elevation: elevate the affected limb 20 to 50 cm above heart level as often as possible.

Minor injuries can be adequately treated at home. For more serious injuries, the joint may need to be immobilized with a cast. An X-ray may be performed to assess the severity of the injury. In more serious cases, surgery may be required.

Several factors can affect how long it will take the injury to heal. The severity of the injury and the age of the person can play a role, for instance. Rehabilitation may also be necessary. This primarily consists in doing stretching and strengthening exercises.

When should I see a health care professional?

Speak with your health care provider in the following cases:

• You can no longer use or move the injured joint or limb
• You notice that your joint looks abnormal
• You feel numbness around the injury
• You notice swelling and bruising accompanied by a great deal of pain.

For more information:

• Canadian Orthopaedic Foundation