A sprain is an injury to the ligaments around a joint. Ligaments are strong, flexible fibers that hold bones together. When a ligament is stretched too far or tears, the area around the joint will become painful and swell.
Causes
Sprains are caused when a joint is forced to move into an unnatural position. For example, “twisting” one’s ankle causes a sprain to the ligaments around the ankle.
Symptoms
Symptoms of a sprain include:
- Joint pain or muscle pain
- Swelling
- Joint stiffness
- Discoloration of the skin, especially bruising
First Aid
First aid steps include:
- Apply ice right away to reduce swelling. Wrap the ice in cloth. Do not place ice directly on the skin.
- Wrap a bandage around the affected area to limit movement. Wrap firmly, but not tightly. Use a splint if needed.
- Keep the swollen joint raised above your heart, even while sleeping.
- Rest the affected joint for several days.
- Avoid putting stress on the joint because it can make the injury worse. A sling for the arm, or crutches or a brace for the leg can protect the injury.
Aspirin, ibuprofen, or other pain relievers can help. DO NOT give aspirin to children.
Keep pressure off the injured area until the pain goes away. Most of the time, a mild sprain will heal in 7 to 10 days. It may take several weeks for pain to go away after a bad sprain. Your health care provider may recommend crutches. Physical therapy can help you regain motion and strength of the injured area.
When to Contact a Medical Professional
Go to the hospital right away or call 911 or the local emergency number if:
- You think you have a broken bone.
- The joint appears out of position.
- You have a serious injury or severe pain.
- You hear a popping sound and have immediate problems using the joint.
Contact your provider if:
- Swelling does not start to go away within 2 days.
- You have symptoms of infection, including red, warm, painful skin or a fever over 100°F (38°C).
- The pain does not go away after several weeks.
Prevention
The following steps may lower your risk for a sprain:
- Wear protective footwear during activities that place stress on your ankle and other joints.
- Make sure that shoes fit your feet properly.
- Avoid high-heeled shoes.
- Always warm-up and stretch before doing exercise and sports.
- Avoid sports and activities for which you have not trained.
Alternative Names
Joint sprain
Strains
A strain is when a muscle is stretched too much and part of it tears. It is also called a pulled muscle. A strain is a painful injury. It can be caused by an accident, overusing a muscle, or using a muscle in the wrong way.
Causes
A strain may be caused by:
- Too much physical activity or effort
- Improperly warming up before a physical activity
- Poor flexibility
Symptoms
Symptoms of a strain can include:
- Pain and difficulty moving the injured muscle
- Discolored and bruised skin
- Swelling
First Aid
Take the following first aid steps to treat a strain:
- Apply ice right away to reduce swelling. Wrap the ice in cloth. Do not place ice directly on the skin. Apply ice for 10 to 15 minutes every 1 hour for the first day and every 3 to 4 hours after that.
- Use ice for the first 3 days. After 3 days, either heat or ice may be helpful if you still have pain.
- Rest the pulled muscle for at least a day. If possible, keep the pulled muscle raised above your heart.
- Try not to use a strained muscle while it is still painful. When the pain starts to go away, you can slowly increase activity by gently stretching the injured muscle.
When to Contact a Medical Professional
Call your local emergency number, such as 911, if:
- You are unable to move the muscle.
- The injury is bleeding.
Contact your health care provider if the pain does not go away after several weeks.
Prevention
The following tips may help you reduce your risk for a strain:
- Warm-up properly before exercise and sports.
- Keep your muscles strong and flexible.
Alternative Names
Pulled muscle