Printer Friendly Page

Sprains and Strains

What is a Sprain?

1. A sprain is an injury to a ligament (tissue that connects two or more bones at a joint). In a sprain, one or more ligaments is stretched or torn.
2. Sprains are very uncommon in young children, because the ligaments are usually stronger than the growing bones and cartilage to which they are attached. Therefore, the growing part of the bone might break before the ligament is injured.
3. Sprains happen most often in the ankle. Ankle sprains account for 20 – 30% of all sports-related injuries in young athletes.

What causes a Sprain?

• A ligament becomes injured usually from a joint (e.g., ankle) being twisted or from a fall (e.g., fall on the side of the foot).

What are the signs and symptoms of Sprains?

The usual signs and symptoms of a sprain are:

·       Pain

·      A “pop” in the joint may be heard

·      Swelling around the joint

·      Bruising

·      Not being able to move or use the joint

What is a Strain?

• A strain is an injury to a muscle or a tendon (tissue that connects muscle to bone). In a strain, a muscle or tendon is stretched or torn.
• Strains most commonly occur in the back and the hamstrings while playing sports such as football or wrestling.

What causes a Strain?

·         The twisting or pulling of a muscle or tendon.

·         A strain can be caused by an injury such as a fall, lifting heavy objects the wrong way, or overuse of muscles.

What are the signs and symptoms of strains?

A strain can cause:

·       Pain

·       Swelling

·       Muscle spasms

·       Muscle weakness

·       Trouble moving the muscle

How are Sprains and Strains treated?

Treatments for sprains and strains are similar. To reduce swelling and pain in the first day or two, the following treatment may be recommended or performed:

·         By remembering the word, “RICE”, you can easily remember the 4 basic steps in the treatment of sprains and strains.

R: Rest the injured area until the swelling and pain

    have decreased

I: Ice the injury for the first 2 days (15 - 20 minutes

   at a time then wait at least 1 hour before icing

   again – you can place ice over an injury several

   times a day).

        - use a cold pack, a bag of frozen vegetables,

          or a plastic bag filled with crushed ice that

          has been wrapped in a towel.

C: Compression of an injured ankle or wrist may

    help reduce the swelling. This can be done with

    bandages such as elastic wraps, special boots,

    air casts and splints. 

E: Elevate the injured joint (e.g., ankle, knee) up on a pillow (above the level of your heart)

·         Crutches may be necessary to prevent

      continued stress on the injury.

·         Also, medicines, such as ibuprofen, may be helpful for swelling and inflammation.

Once immediate care has been started, the athlete should be seen again in 3 – 7 days so that the appropriate rehabilitation program can be started.

• Depending on the severity of the injury, your doctor may refer your child to a certified athletic trainer or physical therapist.

• After treating the pain and swelling, early mobilization of the injured joint is generally recommended to promote an earlier and more successful return to activity.

• The rehabilitation program will consist of range of motion exercises and stretching followed by strengthening exercises.

When is it best to use ice or heat for an injury?

Ice

·         If you have an acute, or recent, injury (within the last 2 days), where swelling is a problem, you should be using ice treatment. Ice packs can help decrease swelling around the injury.

·         Ice treatments may also be used for chronic, or long-term, conditions, such as an overuse injury. In this case, ice the injured area after the activity.

Heat

·         Do not use heat treatments after activity, and do not use heat after an acute, or recent, injury.

·         Heat treatments should be used for chronic, or long-term, conditions, such as an overuse injury before the activity to help relax and loosen tissues, and to stimulate blood flow to the area.

·         Heating an injury can be done using a heating pad, or even a hot, wet towel.

·         When using heat treatments, be very careful to use a moderate heat for a limited time to avoid burns.

Can Sprains and Strains Be Prevented?

To help prevent sprains and strains, you can:

·     Avoid exercising or playing sports when tired or in

    pain.

·     Maintain a healthy weight

·     Wear shoes that fit well and that are not worn

    down on one side

          o   wearing high-top shoes can prevent ankle sprains

·     Be in proper physical condition to play a sport

·     Warm up and stretch before playing a sport

·     Wear protective equipment when playing

          o   a lace-up ankle brace for example

·     Run on flat surfaces

·     Clear a playground or playing surface of debris

When should I call my pediatrician if I suspect a sprain or strain in my child?

·         You should call your child's pediatrician if there is excessive pain and swelling after an injury.

o        X-rays may be needed to make sure your child does not have a fracture

·         Your child's physician should be called any time a joint injury fails to heal properly or swelling recurs.